Notorious NPA leader arrested

A notorious leader for the New People’s Army (NPA) operating in central Capiz province has
been arrested.
Francisco Balois, also known by the alias of “Tonying”, was arrested in Maayon town last June
25, 2024.
Balois was arrested by combined forces of the Philippine Army’s 12 th Infanty Battalion (12 IB),
the 82 IB, the Maayon Municipal Police Station, and the 1st Capiz Provincial Mobile Force
Company.
Balois had warrants for four counts of rebellion; murder with the use of an unlicensed firearm;
and violation of Section 2 in relation to the Anti-Piracy and Anti-Highway Robbery Law of
1974.
The arrest warrants were issued by Branch 21 of the 6th Regional Trial Court (RTC) in
Mambusao.
Balois also faces other criminal cases: rebellion or insurrection charge in Iloilo City; illegal
possession of explosives with multiple frustrated murder in Iloilo City; and robbery in band in
Dumalag.
During his arrest, operatives seized a caliber .45 pistol with five magazines loaded with
ammunition, a hand grenade, and a handheld radio from Balois’ possession.
Lieutenant Colonel Vicel Jan Garsuta, 12 IB commander, said they monitored Balois hiding in
several towns in Capiz for more than a month.
Manhunt operations were conducted in the towns of Maayon, Cuartero, Dumarao, Dumalag, and
Sigma.
Balois was eventually located in a secluded area of Barangay Tapulang, about 5 kilometers from
Maayon town proper, where his son-in-law resides.
During his arrest, Balois was with his daughter, son-in-law, their child, and his sister-in-law.
Reports indicated that Balois offered slight resistance, but was quickly subdued by police and
army soldiers.
Garsuta noted that despite his age, Balois remains physically fit and mentally sharp.
Balois is believed to have led NPA rebels in an encounter in Sigma town last March 2024.