The National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) praised the Army’s 5th Infantry Division and the Philippine National Police for capturing a high-ranking leader of the Communist Party of the Philippines – New People’s Army in Northern Luzon.
The combined government forces arrested Simon Fiaryao Naogsan Sr., a.k.a “Filiw” and Wayat, on Oct. 21.
Naogsan is considered a major threat, having served as an executive committee member, head of regional propaganda, and former secretary of the Kilusang Larangang Guerilla-Marco.
This arrest is a “major victory” and a “decisive blow to the remaining communist terrorist elements” in the region, according to NTF-ELCAC executive director, Undersecretary Ernesto Torres Jr.
“This success highlights the effectiveness of our whole-of-nation approach, which unites the military, police, and community in neutralizing the threat posed by these terrorist groups,” Torres said.
The leader is now under detention and is facing multiple charges of murder, as well as attempted murder, before the regional trial courts of Ifugao and the Mountain Province.
This hinders the plans and capabilities of the NPAs. The arrest is included in the military’s operations to weaken and hinder the NPA’s leadership in the Ilocos-Cordillera region.
“The valuable intelligence provided by residents played a key role in Naogsan’s capture. The people of Northern Luzon are rejecting the lies and violence of the communist insurgents, thanks in part to the government’s enhanced services in Geographically Isolated and Disadvantaged Conflict-Affected Areas,” Torres said
Major Gen. Gulliver L. Senires, the Army 5th Infantry Division commander, also commends operating units for the successful arrest.
Senires added that the leader’s arrest followed the recent detainment of three senior members of the Ilocos-Cordillera Regional Committee (ICRC) in Conner Apayao, with the successful operations against the communist rebel further weakening the structure of the NPA in Northern Luzon.