Five members of Communist Terrorist Groups (CTG) including two squad leaders were arrested during a major joint operation conducted by the Police Regional Office Negros Island Region (PRO NIR) on April 22, 2026, in Talisay City, Negros Occidental.
The arrests occurred at approximately 7:05 PM along Circumferential Road in Barangay Matab-ang during the implementation of a warrant of arrest under COPLAN "HEAD STRIKE."
According to PRO NIR, the operation was spearheaded by the Regional Intelligence Division (RID) with coordination from multiple law enforcement and military units including the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group Regional Field Unit NIR, Regional Intelligence Unit NIR, Regional Mobile Force Battalion NIR, 6th Special Action Battalion of the PNP Special Action Force, Talisay City Crime Prevention and Security, and the 79th Infantry Battalion of the Philippine Army.
High-Value Targets Among Those Arrested
The arrested individuals include two high-ranking CTG operatives listed in the Philippine Security Review (PSR). The primary target, identified as alias "Glem," a 48-year-old resident of Purok Golden Shower, Barangay Poblacion, Ipil, Zamboanga Sibugay, serves as Squad Leader of the North Negros Front and is PSR-listed.
Also apprehended was alias "Dan," a 25-year-old male from Sitio Bulason, Barangay Buenavista, Himamaylan City, Negros Occidental, who functions as Squad Leader of Central Negros 2 and is also PSR-listed.
Three additional suspects were taken into custody during the operation: alias "Jud," a 34-year-old male resident of Sitio Buli, Barangay Bagonbon, San Carlos City, Negros Occidental; alias "Ju," a 26-year-old female from Barangay Santa Rosa, Murcia, Negros Occidental; and alias "Je," a 57-year-old male from Barangay Bata, Bacolod City, Negros Occidental.
Firearms and Explosives Recovered
During the lawful arrest operation, authorities recovered four short firearms along with several rounds of live ammunition and explosive devices from the suspects. Some of the arrested individuals sustained body wounds during the operation, according to police reports.
All confiscated items are currently undergoing proper inventory and documentation procedures as required by law enforcement protocols.
Police disclosed that the arrested group was previously involved in an armed encounter with the 79th Infantry Battalion in Toboso, Negros Occidental, from which they had managed to escape before this recent apprehension.
Legal Safeguards and Documentation
The operation was conducted with strict adherence to legal protocols and constitutional rights. All arrested individuals were properly apprised of their constitutional rights in a language they fully understood and are now under police custody pending appropriate legal proceedings.
In compliance with Supreme Court Administrative Matter No. 21-06-08-SC, the entire operation was documented using two Alternative Recording Devices (ARD) to ensure transparency and adherence to standard operational procedures.
The warrant of arrest being served was specifically against alias "Glem" for the charge of Attempted Murder. The four additional individuals were arrested after being found in possession and control of firearms and explosives during the lawful arrest operation.
Regional Security Implications
PRO NIR characterized this operation as a significant breakthrough in their intensified campaign against Communist Terrorist Groups operating in the Negros Island Region. The arrest of two PSR-listed squad leaders represents a substantial disruption to CTG leadership structure and operational capabilities in the area.
The successful coordination between multiple agencies demonstrates the effectiveness of intelligence-driven operations and inter-agency collaboration in addressing organized security threats in the region.
According to police statements, the operation deals a substantial blow to CTG networks operating across multiple fronts in Negros, particularly the North Negros Front and Central Negros 2 units that had been active in various areas of the province.
Ongoing Anti-Insurgency Efforts
This arrest operation forms part of PRO NIR's broader sustained campaign against communist insurgency in the Negros Island Region. The police regional office has emphasized its commitment to intelligence-driven operations targeting key CTG personalities and disrupting their organizational structure.
The involvement of multiple specialized units including the Special Action Force, Regional Mobile Force Battalion, and Army infantry units reflects the comprehensive approach being taken to address the insurgency threat across different municipalities and cities in the region.
Law enforcement agencies continue to work closely with local government units and communities to gather intelligence and prevent CTG recruitment and expansion activities.
Community Safety and Security
PRO NIR officials stated that the successful operation underscores their unwavering commitment to protecting communities and enforcing the rule of law throughout the Negros Island Region. The arrests are expected to significantly impact CTG operations and enhance security conditions for residents in affected areas.
The police regional office emphasized that they remain resolute and uncompromising in their mission to ensure a safe, secure, and insurgency-free Negros Island Region through continued law enforcement operations and community engagement efforts.
Authorities continue to encourage public cooperation in reporting suspicious activities and providing information that could assist in ongoing security operations against remaining CTG elements in the region.
Photo credit: Photo courtesy of PRO NIR