An alleged female leader of the New People’s Army (NPA) accused of various offenses, including crimes against humanity, was arrested during a manhunt operation in Malaybalay City, Bukidnon.

According to the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG), the accused was arrested by virtue of warrants for Crimes Against International Humanitarian Law, Genocide, and other Crimes Against Humanity (RA 9851), destructive arson, attempted murder, frustrated murder, and qualified trafficking in persons issued by Cagayan de Oro City and Malaybalay City courts.

CIDG said the accused was the alleged team leader of the NPA’s Squad Uno, Platoon Dos, PEDDLER, Sub-Regional Committee 2 (SRC 2), North Central Mindanao Regional Committee (NCMRC) operating in Northern Mindanao.

Authorities added that the accused was tagged as number two most wanted person in the region and was allegedly involved in armed activities in the hinterlands of San Fernando town and the southwest portion of Cabanglasan town.

“As a Leader she is raising funds to sustain armed struggle activities in white areas. Her group, the PEDDLER, is part of a broader network within the Northern Central Mindanao Regional Command that conducts insurgent operations across Bukidnon and Northern Mindanao region,” CIDG said.

CIDG said the accused and 16 other co-accused, all members of the same group, allegedly set two mixers, two excavators, and a cargo truck on fire in Barangay Mandahican, Cabanglasan town on January 25, 2021.

On January 31, 2021, the accused and seven other co-accused allegedly fired upon Philippine Army troops conducting a security patrol in Barangay Cananga-an, injuring one soldier.

“I commend PCOL Christopher M Bermudez, the Regional Chief of the CIDG Regional Field Unit 10 and the CIDG Bukidnon Provincial Field Unit led by its Provincial Officer - PLTCOL Bryan 'O Neil C Salvacion, and joint operating units for their unrelenting effort in capturing this fugitive who is accused of five heinous crimes including crimes against humanity,” CIDG Director, Major General Robert Morico II, said.

“Her arrest is a government’s win over terrorism; and we helped the victims attain the justice they deserved,” Morico added.