Two members of the Southern Mindanao Regional Committee (SMRC) of the New People’s Army (NPA) were apprehended during a joint Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and Philippine National Police (PNP) operation in Davao City on December 28, 2024.
Benny Flores Mendoza, alias Jack/Kikay/Porong/Larry, an SMRC Executive Committee (EXECOM) member and political instructor, was arrested on charges filed under RA 10364, the Expanded Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act of 2012. Mendoza’s arrest warrant was issued by RTC Branches 11 and 56 in Compostela, Davao de Oro.
Another suspect, Francisco Rotol Sud-ongan, alias Yassie/Danny/Dino, was also apprehended during the operation. Authorities confiscated a .45-caliber pistol and a fragmentation grenade from his possession.
Both suspects are currently in the custody of CIDG XI at San Pedro, Davao City.
Major General Allan Hambala, commander of the 10th Infantry Division, lauded the security forces for their collaboration. He emphasized the continued effort to prevent the resurgence of communist terrorist groups following Region XI’s declaration as insurgency-free.
The operation comes amid intensified Peace, Law Enforcement, and Development Support (PLEDS) initiatives in the region. According to Maj. Gen. Hambala, “The dwindling remnants of the SMRC are experiencing a leadership vacuum, ensuring that such operations disrupt any attempt to revive their activities.”
This arrest marks the latest in a series of actions against high-ranking NPA officials. In the last quarter of 2024, authorities captured SMRC Secretary Ruel Villanueva Cabales, Deputy Secretary Catherine Apares Guinoo, and 2nd Deputy Secretary Porferio Tuna Jr.
