A coordinated law enforcement operation resulted in the capture of five Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) operatives, including two prominent squad leaders, during an evening raid conducted by the Police Regional Office Negros Island Region (PRO NIR) on April 22, 2026.
The joint operation, designated under COPLAN “HEAD STRIKE,” was executed at 7:05 PM along Circumferential Road in Barangay Matab-ang, Talisay City, Negros Occidental, where authorities successfully served arrest warrants against the suspected insurgents.
Multiple law enforcement and military agencies participated in the coordinated effort, with the Regional Intelligence Division (RID) leading the operation. Supporting units included 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.
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PSR-Listed Squad Leaders Captured
Among those apprehended were two high-value targets featured on the Philippine Security Review (PSR) list. The primary suspect, known by the alias “Glem,” is a 48-year-old individual from Purok Golden Shower, Barangay Poblacion, Ipil, Zamboanga Sibugay, who operates as Squad Leader of the North Negros Front.
The second PSR-listed suspect, identified as alias “Dan,” is a 25-year-old male from Sitio Bulason, Barangay Buenavista, Himamaylan City, Negros Occidental, serving as Squad Leader of Central Negros 2.
Three other individuals were simultaneously arrested during the same operation: alias “Jud,” a 34-year-old male from 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.
Weapons and Explosives Seized
The operation yielded significant evidence as authorities confiscated four short firearms, multiple rounds of live ammunition, and explosive devices from the arrested suspects. Police reports indicate that several arrested individuals suffered body wounds during the enforcement action.
Law enforcement personnel are currently conducting proper inventory and documentation of all seized materials in accordance with established protocols and legal requirements.
Authorities revealed that this group had previously engaged in armed confrontation with the 79th Infantry Battalion in Toboso, Negros Occidental, successfully evading capture at that time before their recent apprehension.
Constitutional Protections Observed
The arrest operation maintained strict compliance with legal requirements and constitutional safeguards throughout its execution. All detained individuals received proper notification of their constitutional rights in their native language and remain in police custody awaiting legal proceedings.
To ensure transparency and procedural compliance, the entire operation was recorded using two Alternative Recording Devices (ARD) as mandated by Supreme Court Administrative Matter No. 21-06-08-SC.
While the primary warrant targeted alias “Glem” for Attempted Murder charges, the four additional suspects faced arrest after being discovered in possession and control of firearms and explosive materials during the lawful operation.
Strategic Impact on Regional Security
PRO NIR officials described the operation as a major achievement in their intensified anti-insurgency campaign targeting Communist Terrorist Groups across the Negros Island Region. The capture of two PSR-listed squad leaders represents a critical disruption to CTG command structure and operational effectiveness.
The multi-agency coordination demonstrated during this operation highlights the success of intelligence-based approaches and inter-agency partnerships in combating organized security threats throughout the region.
Police statements emphasized that the arrests deliver a significant setback to CTG networks spanning multiple operational fronts in Negros, particularly affecting the North Negros Front and Central Negros 2 units previously active across various provincial areas.
Sustained Anti-Insurgency Campaign
This successful arrest operation represents a crucial component of PRO NIR’s comprehensive anti-insurgency strategy throughout the Negros Island Region. Regional police leadership has reinforced their dedication to intelligence-focused operations targeting principal CTG figures while systematically dismantling organizational networks.
The deployment of specialized units including the Special Action Force, Regional Mobile Force Battalion, and Army infantry demonstrates the multi-faceted strategy employed to combat insurgency threats across different regional municipalities and cities.
Continuous collaboration between law enforcement agencies, local government units, and community members remains essential for intelligence gathering while preventing CTG recruitment and organizational expansion activities.
Enhanced Public Safety Measures
PRO NIR leadership affirmed that this successful operation demonstrates their steadfast dedication to community protection and law enforcement throughout the Negros Island Region. The arrests are anticipated to substantially disrupt CTG activities while improving security conditions for area residents.
Regional police officials stressed their continued determination and uncompromising stance in achieving a safe, secure, and insurgency-free Negros Island Region through persistent law enforcement actions and community partnership initiatives.
Law enforcement continues encouraging public assistance in reporting suspicious behavior and sharing information that could support ongoing security operations against remaining CTG elements operating in the region.
Photo credit: Photo courtesy of PRO NIR
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