Two high-ranking officials of the Northeastern Mindanao Regional Committee (NEMRC) were arrested at a COMELEC checkpoint in Barangay Balete, Tarlac City at around 9:00 AM on April 28, 2025.

The suspects were identified as alias Paduk/Ado/Jing, 66, and alias Dalay, 60, both residents of Purok Kamansi, Barangay Bayan, Marihatag, Surigao del Sur. Alias Paduk is reportedly the 1st Deputy Secretary of the NEMRC and Secretary of the Southern Luzon Regional Committee (SRC), while alias Dalay serves as 1st Deputy Secretary of the same SRC.

The arrest was carried out by Tarlac City Police Station personnel, in coordination with the 10th Intelligence Service Unit of the AFP, the Army Intelligence Regiment (AIR), and the 3rd Mechanized Battalion of the Philippine Army’s Armor Division.

The two were served a warrant of arrest for Destructive Arson (Criminal Case No. 6524), issued by Hon. Fernando R. Fudalan Jr., Acting Presiding Judge of RTC Branch 7, Bayugan City, Agusan del Sur, on January 30, 2020. No bail was recommended for the case.

The suspects were informed of their rights and are now under the custody of the Tarlac City Police Station. Authorities used an Alternative Recording Device (ARD) during the operation, in line with protocol.

PBGEN Jean S. Fajardo, Regional Director of PRO3, praised the successful arrest, stating, “The capture of Felizardo and Virgie Valdez highlights the strong collaboration between the police and military in combating threats to national security. As the elections draw near, we will continue to intensify law enforcement to ensure peace and order.”

She also emphasized the importance of inter-agency cooperation in enforcing the law and keeping communities safe—especially in the lead-up to the elections.

PRO3 once again reminded the public of the significance of COMELEC checkpoints in maintaining secure, peaceful, and fair elections.