CARAGA REGION, Philippines — Two former female members of the Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) were arrested in separate intelligence-driven manhunt operations conducted on April 4 and April 6, 2026, in the provinces of Agusan del Norte and Surigao del Norte, authorities confirmed.
Operatives from the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) Surigao del Norte Provincial Field Unit, in coordination with the Philippine National Police Special Action Force, the Regional Intelligence Unit 13, and local police units, carried out the operations that led to the arrest of the suspects identified only by their aliases “Lennie” and “Anne.”
The arrests were made by virtue of standing warrants issued by courts in Surigao del Norte and Agusan del Norte for multiple serious offenses, including violations of Republic Act No. 9208 as amended by Republic Act No. 10364, as well as charges of murder and multiple attempted murder. The warrants were dated November 24, 2021, and October 13, 2022.
A report submitted to Robert AA Morico II, Director of the CIDG, identified “Lennie” as facing charges for human trafficking in Surigao del Norte, while “Anne” is accused of murder and multiple attempted murder in Agusan del Norte.
Authorities disclosed that both suspects were former “amasonas,” or female combatants, linked to the Sandatahang Yunit Pampropaganda under Guerrilla Front 16 and the Sub-Regional Sentro de Grabidad (SRSDG) of the North Eastern Mindanao Regional Committee. These units operate under the Communist Party of the Philippines and its armed wing, the New People’s Army.
“Lennie” reportedly served as Vice Commanding Officer, while “Anne” was a member of the same unit. Both individuals were listed in the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ Periodic Status Report. “Anne” was ranked as the No. 2 Regional Most Wanted Person in Caraga, while “Lennie” was listed as the No. 3 Provincial Most Wanted Person in Surigao del Norte.
The CIDG said the successful operations were in line with the intensified campaign against terrorism under the directive of Jose Melencio C Nartatez Jr., Chief of the Philippine National Police.
CIDG leadership commended Butch Ian C Miñoza, Officer-in-Charge of CIDG Regional Field Unit 13, and Darwin B Dura for spearheading the intelligence-driven operations that led to the arrests.
“The successful capture of these former CTG members demonstrates our unwavering commitment to ensuring justice for victims and sustaining the government’s relentless campaign against terrorism,” the CIDG said in a statement.
Authorities assured the public that operations against fugitives and individuals posing threats to national security will continue without pause.
“The CIDG remains relentless in tracking down criminals, wanted persons, and fugitives without fear or favor,” the statement added. “We are unyielding in our fight against terrorism and steadfast in protecting the peace and security of the nation.”