MANILA - Alleged communist extortionists purportedly distributing coercion letters in Talisay town in Batangas province were captured in a joint special intelligence operation by police and military units on Monday.

The operation was reportedly participated in by the 730th Combat Group, 301st Air Intelligence Service Support, Air Intelligence and Security Group, Philippine Air Force; Naval Intelligence Service Unit-Cavite, Naval Intelligence and Security Group – National Capital Region, Naval Intelligence and Security Force, Philippine Navy; Regional Intelligence Division Police Regional Office 4-A; CIT Cavite-Batangas and Talisay police.

The 3 alleged members of the New People’s Army (NPA) were identified by the military as Billy Baterina alias Ka Impoy, Sonny Rogelio alias Ka Miguel/Gabby and Charity Denio alias Ka Sandra.

They were allegedly arrested in Poblacion Tres in Talisay.

Allegedly recovered from the alleged extortionists were two .45 pistols with one magazine each and 14 rounds of ammunitions; 1 caliber 9mm pistol with 1 magazine and 15 rounds of ammunitions; 1 improvised explosive device with detonating cord and blasting cap, two hand grenades, extortion letters and documents.

Lt. Col. Vincent Incognito, 730th Combat Group commander, said the operation was designed "to curb the local communist terrorist extortion schemes."

"These terrorist activities create disincentives to the investment climate which definitely hampers the peace and progress of our nation," said Incognito.

Col. Aurelio Baladad, Army’s 202nd Brigade commander, credited the success of the operation to the disclosure by businessmen in the area who he said are fed up with the extortion activities of the Communist Party of the Philippines.

Activist groups, in a text message, said however that the 3 are leaders of the Samahang Magbubukid ng Batangas (SAMBAT) and were preparing for the celebration of Week of the Poor. They said the 3 were not NPA members.