ILOILO CITY— Joint police and military operatives arrested two alleged members of the Communist Party of the Philippines–New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) Komiteng Rehiyon–Panay (KR-Panay) during a targeted operation in Barangay Aganan, Pavia, Iloilo on Thursday morning, 2 April.

Authorities identified the primary suspect as a 64-year-old woman known by the aliases “Dhaday” or “Gie,” a native of Barangay Quintin Salas, Jaro, Iloilo City, who was temporarily residing in Don Julio Village, Barangay Aganan.

She was apprehended at around 9:15 a.m. by virtue of an outstanding warrant of arrest for rebellion issued by the Regional Trial Court Branch 21 in Mambusao, Capiz dated June 28, 2012, with recommended bail set at Php40,000.

During the service of the warrant, authorities discovered materials believed to be used in the manufacture of Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) in her possession, prompting additional charges for violation of Republic Act 9516, which penalizes the illegal manufacture, sale, and possession of explosives.

Also taken into custody was her alleged associate, identified only as alias “Luing,” a resident of Igbaras, Iloilo. He was arrested for obstruction of justice after reportedly interfering with law enforcement officers during the operation.

The arrest was carried out by the Pavia Municipal Police Station (MPS) Tracker Team, with support from the Iloilo Provincial Police Office’s Provincial Intelligence Unit, the Philippine National Police–Special Action Force (PNP-SAF), the Philippine Army’s 301st Infantry Brigade, and the Passi City Police Station.

Police Regional Office 6 (PRO-6) Director, Police Brigadier General Josefinio D. Ligan, commended the joint forces for the successful operation, emphasizing the government’s continued efforts to address security threats in the region.

He also urged the public to remain vigilant and cooperate with authorities in maintaining peace and order in Western Visayas.

Both suspects are currently under the custody of the Pavia Municipal Police Station pending documentation and proper legal proceedings.