TWO high-ranking leaders of the New People's Army (NPA) and four other members were captured in Barangay Umagos, Lagonglong, Misamis Oriental on Thursday, October 14, 2021.
Apprehended were Jemar Hilogon alias Ivan/Siatam, the commander of Platoon Cherry Mobile, GF HUAWEI, Sub-Regional Committee 1 (SRC1), North Central Mindanao Regional Command (NCMRC); and Rubensito Hilogon alias Mikot/Saluyan, the commander of Militia ng Bayan.
According to the authorities, both of them belong to the most wanted persons with standing cases of kidnapping and serious illegal detention.
Other arrested individuals were Jobert Hilogon alias Janggo, member of Militia ng Bayan; Alice Calimhay Hilogon alias Amy; Jocelyn Hilogon Cabusog alias Ela; and Reve Padla Cablas, a minor.
Recovered from them were one M14 rifle, one Garand rifle, one AK47 rifle, two rifle grenades, ten rounds of ammunition for AK45, ten rounds of 5.56MM, six rounds ammunition for M14, and three cellphones. All of which were found at Sitio Roa-roa, Brgy Umagos, Lagonglong.
"This is what I was talking about in the previous month that the capture of their top leaders will be a major setback for the armed group. SRC 1 is on the verge of collapsing, and we're looking at completely penetrating all the surviving commanders and destroying their forces," Lieutenant Colonel Ricky Canatoy, the commanding officer of 58th Infantry “Dimalulupig” Battalion (58IB), said.
"So, to the remaining members, I implore you to return to the folds of the law right now. We guarantee your safety and that you will receive all benefits due to you under the government's flagship program for rebel returnees," he added.
The six captured NPA rebels were brought to CMFC, Maharlika, Cagayan de Oro City for proper disposition and filing of cases.