CURBING INSURGENCY. The firearms and explosives seized by government forces during a counterinsurgency operation in Conner, Apayao on Oct. 8, 2024. The PNP Special Action Force said Thursday (Oct. 10, 2024) three members of the New People's Army were arrested in the operation. (Photo courtesy of PNP SAF)
MANILA – Security forces have arrested three communist rebels in the province of Apayao, the Philippine National Police (PNP) reported Thursday.
In a statement, the PNP Special Action Force (SAF) said the suspects – alias “Sam,” a key leader under the New People's Army (NPA) Ilocos-Cordillera Regional Committee (ICRC); “Tanya,” a member of the NPA Regional Special District Group (RSDG); and “Annie,” a member of the Regional Youth Sector (RYS) – were arrested during a counter-insurgency operation by members of its 11th Special Action Battalion in coordination with the 53rd Military Intelligence Company, in Sitio Kuhuban, Barangay Manag in Conner town on Tuesday.
Authorities also seized assorted firearms and explosives, such as two assault rifles, two short magazines with ammunition, two hand grenades, three TNT high explosives, wires, two 40mm high explosive dual purpose (HEDP) ammunition, and one rifle grenade.
The suspects also yielded five mobile phones, three external hard drives, two SD memory cards, 13 micro sim cards, and medical paraphernalia.
The three are under the custody of the Philippine Army in Tabuk City, Kalinga for custodial debriefing.
In a separate statement, Northern Luzon Command (Nolcom) chief Lt. Gen. Ferynl Buca commended members of the Philippine Army's 5th Infantry Division and the police officers for the successful anti-insurgency operation.
He also credited the success of the operation to the cooperation of the peace-loving residents of the village, stressing that their timely information played a crucial role in the apprehension of the insurgents.
"This successful operation shows the strong partnership between our security forces and local communities. We encourage the public to remain vigilant and continue supporting our efforts to ensure peace and security in Northern Luzon," Buca added.
Buca said Nolcom's ground units have been directed to intensify patrols and operations in the area to prevent further insurgency activities and ensure the safety of the local population. (PNA)
