Filipino-American Allegedly Linked to CPP-NPA Apprehended in Laguna

MANILA, Philippines- A Filipino-American woman identified as Cristina Pasion was apprehended during a joint government operation in Cabuyao City, Laguna, on Thursday, July 30, after security authorities alleged that she had links to the Communist Party of the Philippines and the New People’s Army.

Pasion was found with Binay Serrano, also known as “Samay,” when personnel from the Philippine Army, Philippine National Police and Bureau of Immigration served Serrano with an arrest warrant for murder.

The Army said Pasion was turned over to the Bureau of Immigration for the appropriate disposition of alleged immigration violations. Authorities have not publicly disclosed the specific violations or whether she will face separate criminal charges.

According to the Army’s 203rd Infantry “Bantay Kapayapaan” Brigade, Serrano is the alleged medical and logistics officer of Platoon GMT under the Southern Regional Military Area 4D. She is wanted in connection with a murder case filed under Criminal Case No. R25-12586.

Security authorities identified Pasion as a member of Migrante International and alleged that she had been with fellow Filipino-American Chantal Anicoche and suspected NPA members in Mindoro as early as December 2025.

The military also alleged that Pasion may have written entries in a notebook recovered from an encounter site. The notebook reportedly contained information about the group’s activities, internal discussions and experiences while staying with the armed movement.

Information cited by the Army indicated that Pasion remained with the group following encounters in San Jose, Occidental Mindoro, on March 24 and 29, 2026.

Major General Ramon Zagala, commander of the Army’s 2nd Infantry “Jungle Fighter” Division, said Pasion’s apprehension showed how the CPP-NPA-National Democratic Front allegedly uses international networks to reach and influence young people outside the Philippines.

“This case is a stark reminder that the threat posed by the CPP-NPA-NDF extends beyond our borders and exploits international networks to sustain its armed struggle,” Zagala said.

He added that the incident should serve as a warning to foreign nationals and young advocates who may be vulnerable to recruitment and propaganda activities.

The Philippine Army said the operation was part of its continuing campaign to dismantle the remaining communist insurgent network in Southern Tagalog. The 2nd Infantry Division vowed to continue intelligence-driven operations with the PNP, Bureau of Immigration and other government agencies.

The allegations against Pasion and Serrano have not been proven in court. Serrano is presumed innocent unless convicted, while authorities have yet to release the complete legal basis for Pasion’s apprehension and immigration proceedings.