Operatives of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) arrested two alleged members of a Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) in separate manhunt operations in Surigao del Norte on May 16.
Authorities said the operations were carried out in Barangay Quezon in Surigao City and Barangay Ima in the municipality of Sison by personnel from the CIDG Surigao del Norte Provincial Field Unit, Regional Intelligence Unit 13, Provincial Intelligence Team-Surigao del Norte, and local police units.
The two suspects, identified only through their aliases “Loy” and “Jim,” were arrested based on standing warrants issued by courts in Surigao City and Dinagat Islands for attempted murder and murder charges.
Police said “Loy” faces two counts of attempted murder, while “Jim” is accused of two counts of murder.
According to the CIDG, both suspects were allegedly affiliated with the Regional Sentro de Grabidad under the North Eastern Mindanao Regional Committee of the Communist Party of the Philippines and its armed wing, the New People’s Army.
Investigators said “Loy” allegedly served as squad leader and commanding officer of Squad 1, while “Jim” reportedly acted as political guide of Sandatahang Yunit Pampropaganda 16B.
The two were also listed in the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ fourth quarter 2022 status report and were tagged as municipal-level most wanted persons in Sison and Mainit.
CIDG director Robert Morico II said the arrests form part of intensified operations against wanted persons and alleged terrorist group members under the campaign directives of PNP chief Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr..
The CIDG leadership commended the operating teams led by Police Lt. Col. Butch Ian Miñoza and Police Lt. Col. Darwin Dura for the successful operations.
Police said the arrests reflect the government’s continuing crackdown on criminality and insurgency-related activities in Mindanao.