The National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) hailed as a significant breakthrough in the government’s anti-insurgency campaign the arrest of Simon Fiaryao Naogsan Sr., also known as @FILIW/WAYAT, a notorious leader of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) in Northern Luzon.
Naogsan’s capture on October 21, 2024, in a joint operation by the 5th Infantry Division (5ID) of the Philippine Army and the Philippine National Police (PNP), marks a decisive blow to the remaining communist terrorist elements in the region, according to NTF-ELCAC Executive Director and Undersecretary Ernesto Torres Jr.
Torres lauded the operation as a “major victory” for the government and the people.
“The arrest of Simon Naogsan is a monumental step in our fight to eliminate communist terrorism in Northern Luzon. This success highlights the effectiveness of our Whole-of-Nation Approach, which unites the military, police, and community in neutralizing the threat posed by these terrorist groups,” stressed Torres.
Naogsan, a high-ranking CPP-NPA official, was linked to multiple charges of murder and attempted murder in Ifugao and Mountain Province. His arrest follows a series of successful military operations aimed at dismantling the NPA’s leadership in the Ilocos-Cordillera Region, further weakening the insurgents’ operational capabilities.
Naogsan, who held various key positions including Executive Committee Member, Head of Regional Propaganda, and former Secretary of the Kilusang Larangang Guerilla (KLG) MARCO under the Ilocos-Cordillera Regional Committee (ICRC), faces multiple charges of murder and attempted murder filed before the Regional Trial Courts (RTC) of Ifugao and Mountain Province.
Torres praised the tireless efforts of the 5ID and PNP, stressing that their success also demonstrates the growing involvement of local communities in the fight against communist terrorism.
“The valuable intelligence provided by residents played a key role in Naogsan’s capture. The people of Northern Luzon are rejecting the lies and violence of the communist insurgents, thanks in part to the government’s enhanced services in Geographically Isolated and Disadvantaged Conflict-Affected Areas (GIDCAs),” Torres emphasized.
He further noted that the Whole-of-Nation Approach, which addresses the root causes of insurgency through government services and community engagement, is steadily eroding the NPA’s mass base in Northern Luzon and elsewhere.
“This arrest brings us one step closer to lasting peace and development in the region. The NTF-ELCAC remains committed to ensuring no community is left behind, and that peace and security prevail across every corner of the country,” Torres further said.
The NTF-ELCAC reiterated its unwavering support for the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the PNP in their relentless efforts to bring an end to communist terrorism nationwide. By NTF-ELCAC MEDIA BUREAU