Two alleged members of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) Komiteng Rehiyon-Panay (KR-Panay) were apprehended by joint police and military forces in Barangay Aganan, Pavia, Iloilo, on Thursday morning, April 2.

Authorities identified the primary target as a 64-year-old woman known by the aliases “Dhaday” or “Gie.”

Originally from Barangay Quintin Salas, Jaro, Iloilo City, the woman was temporarily residing at Road 8, Don Julio Village in Barangay Aganan.

She was arrested by virtue of an arrest warrant for rebellion, which was issued on June 28, 2012, by the Regional Trial Court Branch 21 in Mambusao, Capiz.The court set the bail at P40,000.

During the service of the warrant, operating troops discovered materials used for manufacturing improvised explosive devices (IEDs) in her possession.

Consequently, she will face additional charges for violating Republic Act 9516, the law governing the illegal manufacture, sales, and possession of explosives.

Also arrested during the raid was her associate, identified only as alias “Luing,” a resident of Barangay 5, Poblacion in Igbaras, Iloilo. She was also staying at the Don Julio Village residence.

Luing was taken into custody for obstruction of justice after reportedly physically interfering with the officers conducting the operation.

The successful apprehension was a collaborative law enforcement effort led by the Pavia Municipal Police Station (MPS) Tracker Team.

The team was heavily supported by the Iloilo Provincial Police Office’s Provincial Intelligence Unit (PIU), the 62nd Special Action Company and 6th Special Action Battalion of the PNP-SAF, the Philippine Army’s 301st Infantry Brigade, and the Passi City Police Station.

Police Brigadier General Josefinio D. Ligan, Police Regional Office (PRO-6) director, lauded the joint operating units for the successful mission.

“The arrest of these individuals demonstrates our unwavering commitment to neutralizing threats to peace and security in Western Visayas,” he said.

“We commend our law enforcement units and the Philippine Army for their cooperation and vigilance in ensuring that those who seek to disrupt public safety are held accountable under the law,” Ligan added.

The regional director also called on the public to remain alert, adding, “We urge our communities to stay vigilant and cooperate with authorities to ensure lasting peace and public safety.” IMT