Alleged NPA top leader nabbed in CDO
The military identified the suspect as Edward Flores, also known by his aliases Cess, Ruby, Rafa, and Ramon.
According to reports, the suspect allegedly served as secretary general of the NPA's Far South Mindanao Region (FSMR), which operates under the jurisdiction of the 6th Infantry Division (6ID).
'Once a powerful figure, Flores' group has significantly weakened due to sustain decisive military operations that dismantled vertical platoon and neutralization of majority of its leaders and remaining members,' 6ID said.
The military added that the suspect also allegedly held positions previously such as Regional Urban Committee secretary, secretary of the dismantled Guerilla Front Tala, and spokesperson of the FSMR.
'The arrest of Edward Flores marks another critical blow to the already crumbling structure of the communist insurgency within the area of responsibility of the 603rd Brigade. In fact, we have already filed multiple cases against him for acts of terrorism and for recruiting vulnerable youth into armed rebellion. His capture is a major setback to their ranks and operations,' 603rd Infantry Brigade Commander, Brigadier General Michael Santos, said.
Among the charges faced by the suspect include murder filed in Tagum City, Davao del Norte; multiple attempted homicide filed in Surallah, South Cotabato; murder filed in Isulan, Sultan Kudarat, and violation of the Anti-Terrorism Act.
During the operation, authorities confiscated a Colt .45 pistol, a fragmentation grenade, and a smartphone from the suspect.
"We will remain determined in our efforts to significantly reduce the capabilities of these terrorist criminals to harass innocent civilians. As the CTG continues to lose key leaders and more members, we will continue our pursuit until they are defeated. With the support of our civilian population and partner stakeholders under the Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (TF-ELCAC), we will not rest until this decades-long problem is resolved," 6ID Commander, Major General Ronald Gumiran, said. —GMA Regional TV News
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