MAWAB, Davao de Oro – A coordinated law enforcement operation between the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Philippine National Police (PNP) resulted in the arrest of two members of the Southern Mindanao Regional Committee (SMRC) in Brgy. 76A, Bucana, Talomo District, Davao City, on December 28, 2024.
The operation targeted Benny Flores Mendoza, also known by aliases “Jack,” “Kikay,” “Porong,” and “Larry,” who is a political instructor and a member of the SMRC Executive Committee (EXECOM). Authorities executed an arrest warrant against Mendoza under Criminal Case No. 10-2021 MNK/FC for violations of Republic Act 10364 (Expanded Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act of 2012), issued by the Regional Trial Court Branch 11, Branch 56, Compostela, Davao de Oro.
Another individual, Francisco Rotol Sud-ongan, identified by aliases “Yassie,” “Danny,” and “Dino,” was also apprehended during the operation. Sud-ongan was found in possession of a .45-caliber pistol and a fragmentation grenade, adding further charges to his arrest.
Both suspects are now under the custody of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) XI in San Pedro, Davao City, as authorities proceed with the investigation and filing of appropriate charges.
Major General Allan Hambala, Commander of the 10th Infantry (Agila) Division, praised the successful operation, emphasizing the significance of collaborative efforts in maintaining peace and security in the region. “The dwindling remnants of the SMRC are experiencing a leadership vacuum since Region XI was declared insurgency-free,” Maj. Gen. Hambala said. “The 10th Infantry Division will continue to intensify its Peace, Law Enforcement, and Development Support (PLEDS) operations with other sectors to prevent the resurgence of communist terrorist groups.”
The arrest follows a string of significant apprehensions in the last quarter of 2024. Among those previously captured in joint AFP-PNP operations are Ruel Villanueva Cabales, alias “Aman,” SMRC Secretary; Catherine Apares Guinoo, alias “Dewen,” Deputy Secretary and EXECOM member; and Porferio Tuna Jr., alias “Danny,” “Ampong,” and “Ka Simon,” 2nd Deputy Secretary and EXECOM member. These operations underscore the sustained efforts to dismantle the remaining influence of the New People’s Army (NPA) in the region.
The AFP and PNP reaffirm their commitment to protecting communities from insurgent threats and ensuring a stable environment conducive to development and peace. Further updates on this case are expected as investigations continue.