Army hails NPA leader’s arrest as key victory

By Jennifer P. Rendon

The leadership of the Philippine Army’s 3rd Infantry Division has hailed the arrest of a top Communist Party of the Philippines–New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) leader as a turning point in the fight against insurgency in Western Visayas.

Major General Michael Samson, 3rd ID commander, called the capture of alias Mayok a major win for peace and unity on Panay Island, noting the suspect previously led Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) forces in Aklan, Iloilo, and Capiz.

Samson said the arrest also highlights the value of sustained military operations and community cooperation in achieving lasting peace.

“This arrest marks a decisive victory in our campaign to neutralize the remaining NPAs in Panay,” Samson said.

“We commend the bravery of our troops and the cooperation of our partners from the PNP and the community.”

“Let this be a clear message: the path of violence leads only to ruin, but peace offers hope and a future for all,” he added.

Mayok, the former secretary of the NPA Komiteng Rehiyon–Panay’s Central and Eastern Front, was arrested while in hiding at Jubilee Gawad Kalinga Village in Barangay Buntatala, Jaro, on the afternoon of Nov. 3.

He is believed to have overseen the remaining KR-Panay forces following the death of Roberto Cabales, alias Ted.

His arrest was carried out by operatives of the Iloilo Police Provincial Office–Provincial Intelligence Unit (IPPO-PIU), along with personnel from the Philippine Army’s 82nd Infantry Battalion, 61st Infantry Battalion, 3rd Military Intelligence Battalion, and the PNP’s Regional Intelligence Division 6 (RID6), IPPO SWAT, Passi City Police Station, Iloilo City Police Office–City Intelligence and Investigation Unit, ICPO SWAT, Explosive Ordnance Disposal and Canine Unit 6, and Iloilo City Police Station 3.

Authorities said Mayok had evaded arrest for decades despite having seven standing warrants, including two non-bailable charges for murder and rebellion.

His capture came with a PHP 2.55 million reward under the Department of National Defense–Department of the Interior and Local Government (DND-DILG) Joint Order on Rewards No. 14-2012.

Brigadier General Nhel Richard Patricio, commander of the 301st Infantry Brigade, said the CTG’s strength is collapsing following Mayok’s arrest.

“The fight is over—it’s time to come home,” Patricio said.

“Surrender now while you still can.”

“The government is ready to help you start anew through E-CLIP and the Local Amnesty Program,” he added.

E-CLIP, or the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program, is a government initiative that supports former CPP-NPA-NDF and Militia ng Bayan members in reintegrating into society and restoring allegiance to the Philippine government.