Authorities arrested a wanted member of a dismantled communist group during an operation in Mabalacat City, Pampanga, on Friday, 1 November 2025.

According to a report, the Joint Task Group (JTG) 7-2 under Brig. Gen. Eugenio Julio C. Osias IV, commander of the 703rd Infantry (Agila) Brigade, conducted the operation along McArthur Highway in Barangay Tabun.

The suspect, identified as Marlene V. Espiritu, alias “Cecile,” was a member of the dismantled Komiteng Rehiyon Gitnang Luzon (KRGL) and former secretary of the Komiteng Larangang Gerilya TarZam. She faces five active warrants of arrest for various criminal cases.

Espiritu was turned over to CIDG–NCR personnel and brought to Camp Crame, Quezon City, for documentation and legal processing.

Brig. Gen. Osias said the operation demonstrates the Philippine Army’s continued support to law enforcement efforts to maintain peace and security in Central Luzon.

The joint mission involved troops from the 703rd Brigade, several infantry battalions under the 7th and 2nd Infantry Divisions, the 3rd Mechanized Infantry Battalion, and units from CIDG-NCR, Mabalacat City Police, and PRO3.

The KRGL, a regional arm of the New People’s Army (NPA), was declared dismantled in 2019, though recent intelligence reports suggest lingering recruitment efforts near Clark Freeport Zone.

“This operation neutralizes a key figure allegedly involved in extortion and violence,” Osias said. “We will continue working with law enforcement to protect civilians from exploitation.”

The AFP confirmed follow-up operations to locate three suspected “finance officers” linked to Espiritu’s network. A court hearing is scheduled for 5 November in Angeles City.