THE 5th Infantry Division (5ID) announced the neutralization of Edgar M. Arbitrario, alias Karl, the Secretary of the Komiteng Rehiyon Cagayan Valley (KRCV). Arbitrario was a known communist terrorist leader with a long history of violence and terrorism in the region.
On September 11, 2024, government forces engaged Arbitrario and his group in a fierce encounter in Barangay Baliuag, Peñablanca, Cagayan. The terrorist leader was wounded during the firefight and subsequently succumbed to his injuries. His remains were recovered on September 13, 2024.
Arbitrario, a 48-year-old native of R Castillo, St. Belisario Village, Davao City, was a former Civil Engineering student who dropped out to join the communist movement in the 1990s. He was involved in numerous terrorist activities in Campostela Valley and Davao del Norte. In February 2016, he was arrested for murder and double attempted murder.
In a statement, Major General Gulliver L Señires PA, Commander of the 5th Infantry Division, expressed his condolences to the families of all the CTGs who died in the encounter.
“ We are deeply saddened by the loss of lives among the communist insurgents. Each life is a profound waste, and it pains us to see fellow Filipinos perish. This tragedy underscores the human cost of conflict and reinforces out commitment to pursuing peace”.
He further emphasized that while the 5th Infantry Division remains steadfast in fulfilling its mandate of ensuring peace and security in Northern Luzon, it also extends its hand to those who are willing to abandon the armed struggle.
“The 5th Infantry Division will continue to pursue the remaining NPA members with relentless focus, But I would also like to emphasize that we also offer a path to peace for those who choose to lay down their arms and surrender. Including those who deserted, and are currently on lie low status. Let us help you reintegrate into our peaceful and progressive society, Call us and help us help you.
The discovery of the NPA leader’s cadaver serves as another significant victory in the campaign to end local communist armed conflict in the Cagayan Valley region. The 5th Infantry Division, alongside partner agencies and communities, remains committed to promoting peace, stability, and development in the area. (UnliNews Online)
