Top communist leader arrested in Quezon City

February 1, 2018

The Philippine National Police ( PNP) said it has arrested an official of the New People's Army and his companion Wednesday afternoon in Cubao.

In a joint operation with the military, the PNP said Thursday arrested were Rafael Baylosis, 69, a secretary of the New People's Army and Guillermo Roque at Aurora Boulevard, corner Kaptipunan Avenue.

Operatives recovered two cal.45 pistols, 14 ammunition of same caliber, two pieces of magazines of the same caliber, cellphones and assorted documents, police said.

Baylosis and Roque were bought to the National Capitol Region Police Office Criminal Investigation and Detection Group prior to inquest at the Quezon City Prosecutors Office. He is the first member of the National Democratic Front ( NDF) to be arrested after the Philippine government ended peace talks with the group late last year

The NDF is the political arm of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP).

The Manila Regional Trial Court ordered the rearrest of CPP chairman Benito Tiamzon and secretary general Wilma Tiamzon and Adelberto Silva last January 11.

Luis Jalandoni, member of the NDF National Executive Committee, said in a statement it "demands the immediate and unconditional release of NDF consultant Rafael Baylosis and his companion."

Jalandoni added the arrest of Baylosis and Roque violates the 1995 Philippine government and NDF joint agreement on safety and immunity guarantees. DMS