Marbil commends CIDG for capturing high-ranking CTG leader in Cebu City

DAVAO CITY — A high-ranking leader of the Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) was arrested during a CIDG-led operation in Cebu City on December 13, 2024. The operation carried out at around 9:30 PM at Plaza Sa Katawhan, Cebu Coastal Road, was part of OPLAN SALIKOP and aimed at intensifying the government’s campaign against terrorism.

The suspect, identified as “Marlo,” serves as Squad Leader of Squad 1, Sandatahang Unit Propaganda, Platoon Central Negros 1, KR-CBNS, and Team Leader of the SPARU unit operating in Negros Province. “Marlo” was arrested under a Warrant of Arrest for Double Murder issued on December 22, 2020, by RTC Branch 64 in Guihulngan City, Negros Oriental. No bail was recommended.

CIDG Acting Director PBGen Nicolas D. Torre III revealed that the arrest was made possible through actionable intelligence provided by an agent from the Philippine Air Force in Lapu-Lapu City.

The suspect’s presence in Cebu City aligns with CTG members’ tactics of relocating to urban areas to evade intensified government crackdowns.

Torre detailed “Marlo’s” involvement with the CTG, starting in 2016 when he was recruited in Guihulngan City, Negros Oriental. Over the years, he underwent guerrilla training in Negros Occidental, participated in armed encounters with government forces, and rose to the rank of Squad Leader in 2021. Intelligence reports indicate that “Marlo” expressed intentions to defect from the CTG in 2022 but went into hiding in Cebu City by 2023.

The suspect was informed of his constitutional rights during the arrest and is currently detained at the CIDG Cebu CFU office. Documentation is underway, and the Warrant of Arrest will be returned to the issuing court.

PNP Chief PGen Rommel Francisco D. Marbil commended the CIDG and its partner agencies for the successful operation.

“This arrest highlights the PNP’s commitment to ensuring peace and security. We remain dedicated to dismantling terrorist networks and protecting the Filipino people,” Marbil said.

Torre added, “This operation not only weakens the CTG’s network but also underscores the government’s resolve to maintain peace and order.”