Gov't forces nab 'communist' leader in CDO

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 13, 2022): Gov't forces nab 'communist' leader in CDO (By Franck Dick Rosete and Jigger Jerusalem)

UNDER ARREST. Military and police operatives arrest Aldeem Yañez (left) on April 10, 2022 in Barangay Iponan, Cagayan de Oro City, after being served with a search warrant for illegal possession of firearms and ammunition. According to intelligence reports, Yañez serves as an organizer for the “communist underground” movement. (Photo courtesy of CIDG-PRO-10)

Government forces arrested a leader of the New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) allegedly involved in extortion, in a joint military and police operation here on Tuesday evening.

In a statement Wednesday, the Army's 4th Infantry Division (4ID) said Aldeem Yañez, of Barangay Iponan, works for the NPA's underground movement and does "ideological, political and organizational" works in parts of Bukidnon province.

Yañez also facilitated the NPA's extortion activities in the urban areas of Misamis Oriental and Bukidnon, 4ID said.

He was arrested for violation of the Republic Act No. 10591, also known as the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act, based on a search warrant issued by a regional court in Misamis Oriental on April 6, 2022.

Police said Yañez yielded a caliber .45 pistol, two hand grenades, two 40mm ammunition, fake identification cards, and subversive documents.

However, Rhee Timbang, the Iglesia Filipina Independiente (IFI) Supreme Bishop, denied Yañez was a rebel, adding he can vouch for the latter as an IFI member in good standing.

In an interview, Timbang described Yañez as "committed in his participation to the life and work of the Church as being a consistent church youth leader in the parish, diocesan, regional and national level."

The Communist Party of the Philippines-NPA is listed as a terrorist organization by the United States, the European Union, the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the Philippines.

The NDF has been formally designated as a terrorist organization by the ATC on June 23, 2021, citing it as “an integral and inseparable part” of the CPP-NPA created in April 1973.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1172176