MABALACAT CITY, Pampanga — A 42-year-old woman facing five active arrest warrants for alleged ties to insurgent activities was detained during a joint military and police operation here on 01 November, authorities announced.
Marlene V. Espiritu, identified by the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) as a former high-ranking member of the disbanded communist guerrilla group Komiteng Rehiyon Gitnang Luzon (KRGL), was arrested along MacArthur Highway in Barangay Tabun.
The warrants, issued by regional courts in Central Luzon, include charges of arson (for allegedly torching construction equipment), extortion (linked to “revolutionary tax” collections), and rebellion (accusing her of inciting armed resistance).
The pre-dawn operation involved more than 50 personnel from 20 military and police units, including the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group–National Capital Region (CIDG-NCR) and the Pampanga Police Provincial Office. It culminated in Espiritu’s arrest at a checkpoint along MacArthur Highway.
Court records allege that Espiritu orchestrated “revolutionary tax” collections—a term used by insurgents to describe forced payments from businesses—from construction firms and logistics hubs in Pampanga and Tarlac between 2022 and 2024.
Following the arrest, authorities transported Espiritu to Camp Crame in Quezon City, where prosecutors have 36 hours to formally file charges under Republic Act 11479 (Anti-Terrorism Act) and the Revised Penal Code provisions on rebellion.
The KRGL, a regional branch of the New People’s Army (NPA), was officially declared dismantled by the government in 2019 following counterinsurgency operations. However, recent intelligence reports cited by the AFP suggest residual recruitment efforts targeting Aeta communities and labor groups near Clark Freeport Zone infrastructure projects, including alleged attempts to radicalize workers.
Brig. Gen. Eugenio Julio C. Osias IV, commander of the 703rd Infantry Brigade, said the arrest underscores the military’s stance against insurgency-related crimes.
“This operation neutralizes a key figure allegedly involved in destabilizing communities through extortion and violence,” he said. “We will continue collaborating with law enforcement to uphold accountability and protect vulnerable sectors from exploitation.”
Labor groups in Central Luzon, including Kilusang Mayo Uno (KMU), have historically criticized similar arrests as potential pretexts to suppress labor activism. Daily Tribune sought comment from KMU–Central Luzon but received no response by press time.
The AFP confirmed follow-up operations to locate three individuals allegedly linked to Espiritu’s network, described by authorities as “finance officers” responsible for funneling extorted funds to insurgent activities. A court hearing is scheduled for 05 November in Angeles City.