Authorities captured the alleged highest-ranking leader of the Southern Tagalog Regional Party Committee (STRPC) and top leadership of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army-National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF) on Thursday, October 24, 2024.

According to the 2nd Infantry Division (2ID) of the Philippine Army (PA), Wigberto Villarico operated under several aliases.

Villarico was arrested in Barangay Fairview, Quezon City. He was wanted for kidnapping and murder, with warrants issued by the Mauban Regional Trial Court.

His arrest follows months of efforts by the Joint Task Force Katagalugan (JTFK) and the Philippine National Police (PNP) to dismantle communist operations in Southern Tagalog.

Villarico is also linked to several atrocities, including attacks on communities, government projects, and extortion activities.

"With the arrest of Villarico, the CPP's sectoral front organizations and the affiliated mass organizations are expected to stage massive propaganda ploys to deceive the public and malign the government," Brigadier General Cerilo Balaoro, Jr., commander of JTFK, said.

Villarico remains in police custody, facing additional charges of rebellion, extortion, and violations of anti-terrorism laws.