The National Security Council confirmed on Friday that the individual arrested by authorities in Fairview, Quezon City earlier this week is the acting chairman of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP).
Manila Standard earlier reported the capture of Wigberto Villlarico alias “Baylon” in a joint military and police operation but only identified him as a top rebel leader in Southern Tagalog.
In a subsequent statement, National Security Adviser Eduardo Año disclosed Villarico’s actual position in the local communist movement, calling his arrest a major step towards bringing about lasting peace in the country.
“His arrest on October 24, 2024, in Quezon City during a joint operation conducted by the AFP’s 2nd Infantry Division and PNP-NCRPO and Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) is a significant victory in neutralizing the CPP’s leadership structure.” he noted.
“We will continue to work hand in hand with all stakeholders to safeguard the safety and well-being of our people, striving towards the end of Communist Terrorism in our country,” Año added.
Villarico assumed leadership of the CPP after the death of Benito Tiamzon in August 22, 2022, following the latter’s demise in an encounter with government security forces in Samar province.
Meanwhile, 2nd Infantry Division Spokesperson Lieutenant Commander Jeff Molina said Villorico was arrested in Barangay Fairview by virtue a warrant issued by Judge Rodolfo Obnamia Jr. of Regional Trial Court 4th Judicial Region, Branch 64, based in Mauban, Quezon.
The suspect had pending cases for kidnapping with murder.
Molina pointed out that Villarico was responsible for a series of atrocities against government forces, and the “liquidation” of some prominent personalities.
The suspect is also being linked to a number of terrorist attacks on rural communities, sabotaging government projects, and various extortion and money-making activities in the Southern Tagalog region.
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