Authorities arrested two suspected high-ranking leaders of the New People’s Army (NPA) in separate operations in Marawi City and Caraga.

Police arrested alias “Rudy,” the alleged vice commanding officer of the weakened Guerilla Front 30, Sub-Regional Committee Westland listed in Period Status Report on threat groups, in a manhunt operation in Carmen, Surigao del Sur.

The Police Regional Office-Caraga (PRO-13) said alias “Rudy” is facing various charges, including six counts of murder; five counts of frustrated murder; three counts of attempted murder; slight illegal detention; and three counts of violation of the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act of 2003 (RA 9208).

The suspect was considered second most wanted person in the region.

Meanwhile, operatives of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) and the military arrested another suspected rebel leader in Marawi City on Wednesday, October 2, 2024.

The suspect was identified by his aliases “Kiram Kuya” and “Mecca”. He is said to be the deputy secretary of Platoon Ferrari and commanding officer of SROC under Sub-Regional Committee 5, North Central Mindanao Regional Committee (SRC-5, NCMRC).

He was arrested by virtue of a warrant for violation of the Philippine Act on Crimes Against International Humanitarian Law, Genocide, and Other Crimes Against Humanity (RA 9851).

According to the Police Regional Office-Northern Mindanao (PRO-10), the suspect acted as second-in-command to the secretary. His roles also include organizing and overseeing the group’s activities.

The suspect is now detained.

“Let this serve as a stern warning to those who threaten the peace and security of our communities: no one is beyond the reach of justice. PRO10, in coordination with the AFP and other law enforcement agencies, will continue to pursue those who operate outside the law and ensure that they are brought to justice, for the safety and protection of our people,” PRO-10 Director, Brigadier General Jaysen De Guzman, said.