Alleged CPP acting chair arrested in Quezon City — NSC

The alleged acting chairperson of the Communist Party of the Philippines was arrested in Fairview, Quezon City on Thursday for kidnapping and murder, according to the National Security Council (NSC) on Friday.

In a statement, National Security Adviser Eduardo Año identified the arrested person as Wigberto "Baylon" Villarico.

"We commend the AFP, the PNP, and the NTF-ELCAC for the successful operation that resulted in the arrest of Wigberto Villarico alias 'Baylon,' the Acting Chairman of the CPP," Año said.

"This operation is a major step in our ongoing efforts to dismantle the leadership of the communist terrorist group and bring lasting peace to our country," he added.

The National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO), in a separate statement, said authorities implemented a warrant of arrest against Villarico.

"The case was originally filed at Regional Trial Court Branch 64 in Quezon but was transferred to Taguig City RTC Branch 266, which certified the validity of the issued warrant of arrest," the NCRPO said.

A 35-year-old woman was also apprehended in the same operation "for providing false identification of the accused and obstruction of justice," it added.

The NCRPO said that, "According to reports, Villarico, known by multiple aliases, is among the suspects in the kidnapping and murder of two victims back in 2007 in Brgy. Cagsiay, Quezon."

Police said Villarico was the secretary of the Southern Tagalog Regional Party Committee operating in Calabarzon and Mimaropa. He was also an alleged member of the CPP's Political Bureau (Politburo), the police added.

GMA Integrated News has requested comment from the Communist Party of the Philippines regarding the matter, but it has yet to reply as of posting time.

According to Año, Villarico assumed the CPP leadership after the death of Benito Tiamzon on Aug. 22, 2022.

“Villarico was the last Communist leader at large capable of commanding both the party and its armed wing, the New People's Army. Villarico's capture closes the chapter on a terrorist fugitive responsible for numerous atrocities against the people," Año said.

For his part, NCRPO chief Police Major General Sidney Hernia said, "We are intensifying our efforts against criminal activities in the region.”

"Our recent operations reflect our unwavering resolve to uphold the law and ensure accountability. We encourage the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities. Together, we can foster a safer community for everyone," he added. — VDV, GMA Integrated News