GOVERNMENT authorities are on the lookout for another high-ranking leader of the New People’s Army (NPA) who is tagged as the successor of slain Menandro Villanueva alias “Bok.”

1001st Infantry Brigade commander Brigadier General Jesus Durante III said in a virtual presser that they consider Eric Jun Casilao a "criminal" and confirmed that he was being groomed to be Villanueva's successor as secretary of Komisyong Mindanao.

Villanueva was killed in an encounter with government troops in Barangay Libudon, Mabini, Davao de Oro on Wednesday evening, January 5, 2022.

“Like what happened to ‘Bok,’ we provided posters so that they [referring to the community] can coordinate with us,” Durante said during the One Davao on Covid-19 virtual presser.

Casilao is facing multiple criminal cases such as two counts of murder both issued by the Regional Trial Court 11, Branch 3 in Nabunturan, Davao De Oro, as well as kidnapping and serious illegal detention.

Meanwhile, Major General Ernesto C. Torres Jr., commander of the 10th Infantry Division, said that a P5.4-million bounty will be given to anybody who can disclose the whereabouts of Casilao.

“We may have ended the reign of terror of Kaye and Bok (Politburo members) but insurgency will still linger if we cannot exterminate the remaining leadership of the SMRC. Hence, I am calling every citizen to continuously support our campaign against the terrorist group,” Torres said.

Torres referred to Kaye as Anna Sandra Reyes who was killed in an armed engagement on December 24, 2021. Reyes was the secretary of the Regional White Area Committee (RWAC).

The military operation happened two days before the 53rd Founding Anniversary of the CPP-NPA on December 26.

Meanwhile, authorities released the latest component sketch of Casilao on Wednesday, January 12.

The photo is based on the revelation by former high-value individuals who were once comrades of Casilao while inside the communist movement.