Combined Army and police units arrested a wanted former leader of the dismantled Kilusang Larangang Gerilya (KLG) North Abra during a joint law enforcement operation in Lupao, Nueva Ecija, on Friday, 21 August.

The Philippine Army identified the suspect as John Lee N. Hondrado, alias “Leg-on,” described as a former communist terrorist group (CTG) member who had gone inactive.

The operation in Barangay Parista was conducted by personnel from the Army’s 501st Infantry Brigade, 703rd Infantry Brigade and 48th Infantry Battalion, together with the Philippine National Police’s Criminal Investigation and Detection Group-Cordillera Administrative Region.

Authorities served outstanding arrest warrants against Hondrado for attempted homicide and unlawful manufacture, sale, acquisition, disposition or possession of firearms.

Army chief Lt. Gen. Donald Gumiran commended the participating units, saying the operation demonstrated the Army’s commitment to supporting law enforcement agencies in carrying out judicial processes while observing due process, human rights and the rule of law.

Gumiran said the Army would continue coordinating with law enforcement agencies in operations against remaining CTG members.

The Army also renewed its call for remaining communist rebels to surrender, abandon the armed struggle and return to their families.