CAMP MELCHOR F. DELA CRUZ, Isabela – Troops from the 5th Infantry Division and police apprehended a high-ranking New People’s Army leader in Bacarra, Ilocos Norte on Monday, Oct. 21.
Simon Fiaryao Naogsan Sr., alias Filiw and Wayat, also the spokesperson of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) in the Ilocos-Cordillera region, was apprehended an intelligence-driven operation.
He was executive committee member, head of regional propaganda, and former secretary of the Kilusang Larangang Guerilla-Marco under the Ilocos-Cordillera Regional Committee and faces murder and attempted murder cases before the regional trial courts in Ifugao and Mountain Province.
Major Gen. Gulliver L. Señires, commander of the Army 5th Infantry Division, commended operating units for their achievement.
Señires said Naogsan’s arrest followed the recent capture of three senior members of the ICRC in Conner, Apayao province and proof of the continuous dismantling of the leadership structure of the NPA in Northern Luzon.
“The success of this operation is a testament to our troops' dedication and the community's unwavering support,” Señires said.
“The invaluable information provided by residents was crucial in tracking Naogsan and ensuring his arrest. This demonstrates the growing partnership between the military and the community and the diminishing support for the communist insurgents due to the improved services in Geographically Isolated and Disadvantaged Conflict-Affected Areas (GIDCAs).”
Señires attributed the dwindling influence of the NPA in Northern Luzon to the whole-of-nation approach under the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC).
Police Col. Frederick E. Obar, Ilocos Norte police director, said they are investigating the presence of Naogsan in Ilocos Norte.