Joint teams from the Philippine Army and the Philippine National Police (PNP) arrested a wanted former leader of the dismantled Kilusang Larangang Gerilya (KLG) North Abra in Barangay Parista in Lupao, Nueva Ecija on Friday.

The Philippine Army identified the suspect as John Lee N. Hondrado, also known by the aliases “Lig-on” and “Leg-on.” He was described as a former leader of KLG North Abra, an armed group that authorities said had been dismantled.

The operation involved personnel from the Army’s 501st Infantry Brigade, 703rd Infantry Brigade and 48th Infantry Battalion, along with the PNP Criminal Investigation and Detection Group-Cordillera Administrative Region.

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

According to the Army, Hondrado remained at large after the dismantling of his group. His arrest was part of continuing operations against alleged remnants of communist terrorist groups (CTGs).

Army chief Lt. Gen. Donald Gumiran commended the participating units, saying the operation demonstrated the military’s support for law enforcement agencies in implementing judicial processes while observing due process, human rights and the rule of law.

The Army said it would continue coordinating with the PNP and other government agencies to locate and arrest other wanted members of armed groups.

It also urged remaining CTG members to surrender and return to their families through peaceful means and available government reintegration programs.

The Kilusang Larangang Gerilya North Abra was identified by the Philippine Army as one of the communist armed groups operating in northern Luzon. The Army has described the group as dismantled following sustained military and law enforcement operations, including the arrest or surrender of its members.

Authorities have continued to pursue former members who remain subject to arrest warrants through operations conducted by the Army in coordination with the PNP.