26/08/2026
3 CTG-LINKED FUGITIVES ARRESTED OVER TERRORISM, WAR CRIMES, ATTEMPTED HOMICIDE
The Philippine National Police, under the leadership of PNP Chief PGEN Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr., intensified its nationwide efforts against terrorism and armed threat groups with the arrest of three accused linked to Communist Terrorist Groups (CTGs) in separate operations in Nueva Ecija and Surigao del Sur on August 21, 2026.
In Nueva Ecija, the CIDG Ifugao Provincial Field Unit, together with intelligence units of the Police Regional Office Cordillera Administrative Region (PRO CAR), PNP Intelligence Group, National Intelligence Coordinating Agency-Cordillera Administrative Region (NICA-CAR), Philippine Army, Regional Mobile Force Company, Ifugao 1st Provincial Mobile Force Company, and territorial police units, arrested alias “Juan,” a male former CTG member, in Brgy. Parista, Lupao.
The accused was arrested by virtue of Warrants of Arrest for Violation of Presidential Decree No. 1866, as amended by Republic Act No. 8294, and Attempted Homicide, issued by the Banaue, Ifugao court on July 23, 2026, and July 7, 2021, respectively. He was identified as a former member of the Kilusan Larangang Gerilya (KLG) North Abra under the Ilocos-Cordillera Regional Committee (ICRC), operating in Abra, and was listed in the AFP’s Periodic Status Report of Threat Groups.
In Surigao del Sur, the CIDG Surigao del Sur Provincial Field Unit, together with the PNP Special Action Force and in coordination with the Tagbina Municipal Police Station, arrested aliases “Pedro” and “Lando” in Brgy. Tagongon, Tagbina.
Alias “Pedro,” identified as a Vice Squad Leader of the Sub-Regional Sentro de Grabidad (SRSDG), Westland, North Eastern Mindanao Regional Committee (NEMRC), was arrested by virtue of a Warrant of Arrest for Direct Assault with Attempted Homicide issued by a Surigao del Sur court on June 29, 2026.
Alias “Lando,” also identified as a member of the same CTG formation, was arrested by virtue of warrants for violation of Republic Act No. 9851, or the Philippine Act on Crimes Against International Humanitarian Law, Genocide, and Other Crimes Against Humanity; Republic Act No. 11479, or the Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020; Frustrated Murder; and Direct Assault with Attempted Homicide. The warrants were issued by courts in Surigao del Norte and Surigao del Sur on October 18, 2021; May 17, 2022; January 13, 2026; and June 29, 2026, respectively. He was also listed as the No. 7 Provincial Level Most Wanted Person of Surigao del Sur.
The arrests underscore the PNP’s sustained pursuit of individuals facing serious offenses connected to terrorism, armed violence, and violations of international humanitarian law. The apprehension of the three accused also brings them within the judicial process to answer for the charges filed against them.
The accomplishments support the PNP Focused Agenda, which strengthens police operations against evolving security threats, particularly through Enhanced Managing Police Operations.
“Terrorism and acts that threaten civilians, violate international humanitarian law, or undermine the peace and security of our communities will be met with determined law enforcement action. We will pursue those who are wanted for these serious offenses and ensure that they face the proper judicial process,” said PGEN Nartatez.
“Ang terorismo at mga krimeng laban sa sangkatauhan ay seryosong banta sa ating seguridad. Haharapin natin ang mga ito nang buong tapang at pananagutin ang mga lumalabag sa ilalim ng batas,” he added.
Under the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., the PNP remains steadfast in addressing terrorism and serious crimes, protecting communities, and upholding the rule of law toward “Bagong PNP para sa Bagong Pilipinas: Serbisyong Mabilis, Tapat, at Nararamdaman.”
(PNP-PIO)
