ILOILO City – A suspected high-ranking leader of the Communist Party of the Philippines – New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) was recently apprehended, delivering a substantial setback to the rebel group.
Lieutenant General Robert Rodriguez, commander of the Area Police Command Visayas, hailed the capture of Francisco Balois, commonly known as Ka Tonying, on June 25 during a combined military and police operation at Sitio Siwalang, Barangay Tapulang, Maayon, Capiz.
Rodriguez described the arrest as a crucial victory that moves the region closer to achieving stable internal peace and security.
He emphasized the importance of community cooperation in facilitating such significant captures and urged remaining insurgents to surrender and participate in the government’s rehabilitation programs.
Ka Tonying was a native of Barangay Katipunan, Tapaz, Capiz.
During the operation, various war materials were confiscated from Ka Tonying, including an M16 rifle, a .45 pistol, a hand grenade, magazines for M16, ammunitions, a handheld radio, and assorted medicines.
Following the arrest, the local government of Tapaz, Capiz, facilitated a Localized Peace Engagement (LPE) dialogue on July 1, involving Ka Tonying’s family and various officials.
The meeting, led by Tapaz’s Mayor Roberto Palomar and attended by the spokesperson of the Regional Task Force – End Local Communist Armed Conflict, Atty. Flosemer Chris Gonzales, along with officers from the 3rd Infantry Division and Capiz Police Provincial Office, provided a platform for the family to voice their concerns and discuss their experiences related to the local armed conflict.
According to the Army, Ka Tonying had been operating across Panay Island. He held a significant leadership role within the NPA-Panay, serving as the squad leader for Squad 2 of Madia-as Dos, Central Front, Komiteng Rehiyon-Panay (CF, KR-P), Commanding Officer of Tugalbong Platoon from 2010 to 2014, and Commanding Officer of Batong Platoon from 2015 to 2017.
His activities, added the Army, included alleged extortion targeting local businessmen, farmers, and construction companies, and he was also accused of engaging in violent acts such as arson on construction equipment and recruitment of youth into NPA ranks.
At the time of his arrest, Ka Tonying faced multiple charges, including murder, robbery, unlawful possession of firearms and explosives, and rebellion./PN
