Troops from the 10th Infantry Division (10ID) of the Philippine Army, together with the Police Regional Office 13 (PRO-13), arrested a top leader of the New People’s Army (NPA) and seven others during joint law enforcement operations on June 13 in Barangay Bunawan Brooke and Barangay San Teodoro, Bunawan, Agusan del Sur.
The arrested individuals include Charisse Bernadine Bañez, also known as “Nikki,” the Secretary of the Southern Mindanao Regional Committee (SMRC); Ronnie Igloria, alias “Gideon,” Vice Commanding Officer; Louvaine Erika Espina, alias “Pam,” the unit’s medic; Sinag Lugsi, alias “Jomilyn”; Larry Montero, alias “Laloy”; Daryl Man-Inday, alias “Tonton”; Arjie Guino Dadizon, alias “Ronron”; and Grace Niknik Man-aning, alias “Jelyn.”
Major General Allan Hambala, commander of the 10ID, said the arrests struck a major blow to the communist group and disrupted its remaining operations in the area.
“This is a decisive victory against the SMRC remnants and proves the dedication of our troops and the PNP in protecting the peace we’ve built in our communities,” Hambala said.
In earlier operations, the Army neutralized Elbert Echavez, alias “Aldrin,” and Jeffry Casal, alias “Lalai,” both key NPA leaders, in separate encounters on April 27 and May 10. These arrests further highlight the military’s ongoing efforts to secure the region.
