ZAMBOANGA CITY — The Joint Task Force Central on Tuesday announced that state troops arrested at least 27 members of the New People's Army during a series of decisive military operations in Lake Sebu, South Cotabato.

JTF-Central commander Major General Alex Rillera narrated that they conducted a three-day decisive military operations which began on 23 September 2023 after receiving information about the presence of NPAs in Barangays Lamlahak and T'kunel, both in Lake Sebu.

However, Rillera declined to identify those who were arrested by the soldiers pending the filing of appropriate charges against them.

The arrested NPAs were later turned over to village chief Rudy Tomas of Barangay T'kunel, and personnel from the Lake Sebu Municipal Station.

Armed Forces of the Philippines-Western Mindanao Command chief Maj. Gen. Steve Crespillo commended the soldiers of JTF-Central for the successful operations against the NPAs in Lake Sebu.

"Rest assured that we will continue to work hard to prevent the terror group remnants from creating havoc in peaceful communities," Crespillo said.