ZAMBOANGA CITY — The military has arrested Edward J. Flores, the secretary of the Far South Mindanao Region (FSMR) of the New People’s Army (NPA), which operates in central Mindanao and other areas under the jurisdiction of the 6th Infantry “Kampilan” Division (6th ID) in Cagayan de Oro City.

Brig. Gen. Donald M. Gumiran, commander of the 6th ID and Joint Task Force (JTF)-Central, announced on Friday that Flores was apprehended last Thursday at his residence in Block 3, Lot 1, House 3, Habitat Phase 2, Barangay Indahag, Cagayan de Oro City.

The arrest resulted from a coordinated operation involving multiple military units under the 6th ID, with support from the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) units of Regions 10, 11, and 12.

Flores faces numerous criminal charges, including violations of the Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020, murder, and multiple attempted homicide cases filed in various courts across Tagum City, Davao del Norte, South Cotabato, and Isulan, Sultan Kudarat.

Authorities seized a Colt .45 caliber pistol, a fragmentation grenade, and a smartphone suspected to contain sensitive communication data from Flores during the arrest.

Flores has held key positions such as Secretary of the Regional Urban Committee, Secretary of the Dismantled Guerrilla Front (DGF) TALA, and Spokesperson of FSMR — all roles aligned with the CPP-NPA-NDF’s broader strategy to undermine government efforts and disrupt local peace initiatives.

Gumiran noted that the operation was also coordinated with Major Gen. Michele Anayron Jr., commander of the 4th Infantry (Diamond) Division stationed at Camp Edilberto Evangelista, Patag, Cagayan de Oro City.

Brig. Gen. Michael A. Santos, commander of the 603rd Infantry Brigade, said, “The arrest of Edward Flores is a critical blow to the already crumbling communist insurgency within the 603rd Brigade’s area of responsibility.”

He added, “We have already filed multiple cases against him for terrorism and recruiting vulnerable youth into armed rebellion. His capture is a major setback to the NPA’s ranks and operations.”

Gumiran vowed, “We remain determined to significantly reduce the capabilities of these terrorist groups to harass innocent civilians. As the NPA continues to lose key leaders and members, we will continue our pursuit until they are defeated.”

The 6th ID commander said the arrest of Flores strengthens the momentum toward ending the local communist armed conflict and restoring lasting peace in the region.

Meanwhile, in Talitay, Maguindanao del Norte, three members of an armed group were wounded following a clash with soldiers in Barangay Poblacion on Wednesday.

Lt. Col. Roberto F. Betita, commanding officer of the 1st Mechanized Infantry (Lakan) Battalion, said troops went to mediate between two fighting groups but were immediately fired upon by about 30 armed men upon approach.

The soldiers returned fire, wounding three members of the armed group and recovering four high-caliber firearms: a Cal .30 Garand rifle, a 7.62mm M14 rifle, a 5.56mm M16A1 rifle, and a 5.56mm Colt rifle.

Also seized were various magazines and ammunition, three bandoliers, three sling bags, a commercial radio, two sachets of shabu valued at P59,500, and drug paraphernalia.

“We immediately rushed the wounded suspects to the nearest hospital for treatment before transferring them to the Cotabato Regional Medical Center for further care. They will be turned over to the Talitay Municipal Police Station to face charges,” Betita said.