A suspected supporter of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-
NPA) became the first person in Western Visayas to be convicted for terrorism financing.
Brince Gegodas, a resident of Tapaz town, was found guilty of violating Section 6 of Republic
Act No. 10168 or the Terrorism Financing Prevention and Suppression Act of 2012.
The 35-year-old known by the aliases of “Ian Arevalo”, “Prince Egodas”, “Mak-Mak”, and “JP”
reportedly pleaded guilty against the charges him.
In a decision dated September 2, 2024, the Regional Trial Court-Branch 12 in Aklan sentenced
Gegodas to imprisonment of a minimum of 12 years and a of maximum 14 years.
Gegodas was arrested in an entrapment operation in Makato town, Aklan last June 2023 by joint
forces under the Regional Task Force in Ending Local Communist Armed Conflict (RTF-
ELCAC-6).
Gegodas’ arrest was made possible by the joint efforts of the 3rd Infantry Division (3ID) of the
Philippine Army, the Aklan Police Provincial Office, the Capiz Police Provincial Office, and the
legal team of RTF-ELCAC-6.
“These legal efforts uncovered evidence of Gegodas’ financial contributions to the Komiteng
Rehiyon-Panay,” said the 3ID in a statement.
Recovered from Gegodas’ possession at that time of his arrest were demand money, a bundle of
coupon bonds, a fragmentation grenade, three mobile phones, and a wallet containing P7,360 in
cash, a SIM card, and a remittance receipt.
Meanwhile, the conviction of Gegodas was hailed by the 3ID leadership.
“Gegodas’ conviction represents a significant breakthrough in the government’s efforts to
combat terrorism financing and end the decades-long threat posed by the communist terrorists in
Panay Island,” said Major General Marion Sison, 3ID commander.
“This sends a strong message to any individual or group that aids, supports or finances the
terrorist activities of the CPP-NPA. They cannot escape the law,” added Sison in a statement.
