By CESAR JOLITO III
Five alleged members of the Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) were arrested in a law enforcement operation in Negros Occidental’s Talisay City on Wednesday night, April 22, with authorities recovering firearms, ammunition and explosive devices.
The operation took place at 7:05 p.m. along Circumferential Road in Barangay Matab-ang.
The main target, identified as alias “Glem,” 48 years old, was arrested by virtue of a warrant for attempted murder.
Police said he is a native of Ipil, Zamboanga Sibugay and is listed as the most wanted person.
He is facing multiple serious charges, including theft, robbery, multiple frustrated murder, multiple murders, crimes against international humanitarian law, genocide, crimes against humanity, and attempted murder.
He was also identified as a squad leader of the North Negros Front.
Four others were arrested during the same operation:
* Alias “Dan,” 25 years old, male; a native of Sitio Bulason in Himamaylan City’s Barangay Buenavista; identified as a squad leader of Central Negros 2
* Alias “Jud,” 34 years old, male; a resident of San Carlos City’s Barangay Bagonbon
* Alias “Ju,” 26 years old, female; resident of Murcia town’s Barangay Santa Rosa
* Alias “Je,” 57 years old, male; resident of Bacolod City’s Barangay Bata
Authorities said the group was allegedly linked to a previous armed encounter with government troops in Negros Occidental’s Toboso town, from which they had escaped.
Authorities earlier confirmed that a total of four firearms, several rounds of ammunition, and explosive devices were seized during the operation.
All recovered items are now under proper inventory and documentation, while the suspects remain in police custody pending the filing of charges.
The Police Regional Office in Negros Island Region said the operation marks a significant development in its ongoing campaign against insurgency in Negros Island, highlighting sustained intelligence-driven operations and interagency coordination in neutralizing armed threat networks./CJ, WDJ