Philippine security forces capture top Maoist guerilla leader following the failure of peace talks
Last year, President Duterte terminated intermittent peace talks with Maoist-led rebels and considered them “terrorists” because hostilities had continued during negotiations
Philippine security forces arrested the head of the Communist movement’s armed wing following President Rodrigo Duterte’s order to target guerilla leaders after peace talks collapsed, police and human rights lawyers said on Thursday.
Rafael Baylosis and a companion attempted to flee from army and police intelligence agents following them but were cornered on Wednesday afternoon in the capital’s central district, according to a police report.
The arrest of Baylosis was a product of intelligence and surveillance operations after a tip-off from residents in Quezon City, said John Bulalacao, national police spokesman.
“Baylosis is believed to be the acting secretary of the New People’s Army (NPA),” Bulalacao said, referring to the 3,000-member guerilla force waging a protracted war in rural areas for nearly 50 years.
The conflict has killed more than 40,000 and stunted growth in poor but resource-rich regions in the country, where mines and plantations are located.
Rather than persecute peace consultants, Duterte should resume peace talks
He was the first ranking rebel leader to be captured after the Philippines ended a peace process with communist rebels late last year.