CAMP ELIAS ANGELES, PILI, Camarines Sur (PIA) -- Mercy Sta. Rosa Escandor, a high-ranking official of the Bicol Regional Party Committee (BRPC) was captured by authorities on Friday, October 20, following an extended period of eluding and evading government forces.

Escandor, a.k.a Iya/ Julia, an Execom member and Public Information Officer (PIO) of BRPC was apprehended by elements of the 49th Infantry Battalion, CIDG-Albay, and PNP Camarines Sur in Brgy. San Ramon, Iriga City while on board a passenger jeepney.

Another individual accompanying her, known as Mark Laurence Escano, alias Ricardo Paballa Ladelo, was also taken into custody after a warrant of arrest was issued by the Regional Trial Court Branch 37 in Iriga City, charging them with attempted murder.

A hand fragmentation grenade, three anti-personnel mines or Molotov, an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) Claymore Mine, a flag of the Communist Terrorist Group (CTG), and other terrorist paraphernalia were found under the custody of Escandor.

Meanwhile, found in possession of Escano is a caliber 9mm pistol, a magazine, and ammunition.

Joint Task Force Bicolandia and 9th ID Commander MGen Adonis Bajao lauded the combined soldiers and police forces for the capture of Escandor and Escano as this will encourage the remaining Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) members to return to the folds of the law and start a new lease on life with their families.

Bajao persistently urges the remaining CTG members who are still led astray by their misguided beliefs to take advantage of the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP).

Bajao continuously encourages the CTG members who are still swayed by their misguided beliefs to avail themselves of the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP).

E-CLIP is a government initiative designed to assist ‘Friends Rescued’ or FRs in successfully reintegrating into their local communities. It offers a comprehensive assistance package which includes financial support, a structured reintegration process, livelihood opportunities, and compensation for surrendered firearms. (With reports from 9ID, DPAO –PIA 5/Camarines Sur)