Authorities have arrested an alleged high-ranking leader of the New People's Army (NPA) in Bacarra, Ilocos Norte on Monday, October 21, 2024.

Authorities identified the man as Simon Fiaryao Naogsan, Sr.

The arrest followed an intelligence-driven operation led by joint forces from the 5th Infantry Division and the Philippine National Police (PNP).

According to the Philippine Army (PA) Naogsan was a key figure in the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP), holding positions such as Executive Committee Member and Head of Regional Propaganda.

He faces multiple charges of murder and attempted murder in various regional courts.

Major General Gulliver L. Señires, commander of the 5th Infantry “Star” Division (5ID), said Naogsan's arrest came after the capture of three other senior leaders in Apayao province.

“The success of this operation is a testament to our troops' dedication and the community's unwavering support,” he said.

Señires said information from residents was crucial in tracking Naogsan.

The diminishing influence of communist groups in Northern Luzon is reportedly due to the Whole-of-Nation Approach under the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC).

“The comprehensive efforts of the government in addressing the root causes of the insurgency... continue to weaken the communist terrorists' mass base support,” the Army said.