The Philippine Army believes that a high-ranking personality is involved in leftist activities in Barangay Cabacao, Abra de Ilog, Occidental Mindoro, prompting the military to continue its focused operations in the area.

This follows a series of encounters with remaining members of the Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) in the area since the start of the New Year.

In a press briefing, Philippine Army spokesperson Col. Louie Dema-ala said the operations were launched after the military uncovered a large gathering of CTG members linked to the group’s anniversary and alleged immersion activities targeting students.

According to Dema-ala, the Army expects that senior personalities were present during the plenary meeting in Occidental Mindoro, which is why the group is allegedly attempting to halt the focused military operations to allow these individuals to leave the area.

“Ine-expect natin na yung nangyaring pleno, yung malaking meeting nila sa Occidental Mindoro, may malalaking tao doon. Kaya pinipilit nila ipahinto ang focused military operations ng Philippine Army to ensure na itong tao na ito ay makalabas sa area,” Dema-ala said.

Earlier, a student from the Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila was killed in an encounter and was allegedly among those recruited by the leftist group, an incident that was condemned by the Kabataan Party-list.

Dema-ala added that the group continues to use old issues, including the flood control scandal, to recruit young people into their ranks.