BY MA. THERESA LADIAO
ILOILO City – A coordinated police operation in Barangay San Jose, Arevalo district yesterday, December 5, led to the arrest of a wanted leader of the communist terrorist group (CTG) and his companion.
The primary target, 74-year-old alias “Pendong,” who was also known by aliases including “Wil”, “Asyong”, “Winston”, “Greg”, “Tom”, and “Duroy”, was a high-ranking official of the CTG and a former secretary of the Komiteng Rehiyon-Panay. He was listed as a designated terrorist by the Anti-Terrorism Council and wanted for murder and rebellion, with arrest warrants issued by the Regional Trial Court in Capiz.
Authorities arrested alias “Jofel,” 42, a former CTG medic. Jofel faces charges for illegal possession of firearms and ammunition under Republic Act 10591, as well as provisions of the Anti-Terrorism Act for providing support to a terrorist organization. A caliber .45 firearm and ammunition were confiscated from his possession.
The suspects were apprehended in a joint operation carried out by the Iloilo City Police Office (ICPO), Philippine Army, and other partner agencies. Both are now in the custody of the Police Station 6 here.
“This successful operation underscores our commitment to maintaining peace and addressing threats to public safety. We extend our gratitude to all units and community partners involved,” said Colonel Kim P. Legada, ICPO director./PN
