NATIONAL Security Adviser (NSA) Eduardo M. Año on Friday commended government security troops and their supporters for the successful arrest of acting Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) chair Wigberto “Baylon” Villarico in operations in Quezon City Thursday morning.
“We commend the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), the Philippine National Police (PNP), and the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF ELCAC) for the successful operation that resulted in the arrest of Wigberto Villarico alias Baylon, the Acting Chairman of (the) CPP. This operation is a major step in our ongoing efforts to dismantle the leadership of the communist terrorist group and bring lasting peace to our country,” he added.
Villarico assumed leadership of the CPP after Benito Tiamzon was killed on Aug. 22, 2022, in a military encounter in Samar.
The NSA said Villarico’s arrest during a joint operation conducted by the AFP’s 2nd Infantry Division and PNP-NCRPO and Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) is a significant victory in neutralizing the CPP’s leadership structure.
“Villarico was the last communist leader at large capable of commanding both the party and its armed wing, the New People’s Army. The operation exemplifies the unwavering dedication of our security forces to pursue justice and uphold the rule of law,” Año said.
He added that Villarico’s capture closes the chapter on a terrorist fugitive responsible for atrocities against the people, including leading violent purges within the CPP-NPA Southern Tagalog Regional Party Committee in the 1980s, where many were executed by his own hands.
“As we move forward, the National Security Council remains fully committed to supporting the efforts of our security forces to ensure peace, order, and justice in all corners of the country. We will continue to work hand in hand with all stakeholders to safeguard the safety and well-being of our people, striving towards the end of Communist Terrorism in our country,” Año noted.
