Police arrest American for involvement with Communist rebels in Mindoro

Retired General Ernesto Torres, NTF-ELCAC executive director, said Binay Serrano, alias Samay, and American Cristina Pasion did not resist arrest when soldiers stormed their hideout in Cabuyao City.

Manuel Mogato | August 2, 2026

MANILA — Police and immigration operatives, backed by heavily armed soldiers, arrested a senior Communist New People’s Army (NPA) and an American citizen during a surprise raid at a rebel lair in Laguna, the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) said.

Retired General Ernesto Torres, NTF-ELCAC executive director, said Binay Serrano, alias Samay, and American Cristina Pasion did not resist arrest when soldiers stormed their hideout in Cabuyao City, Laguna.

Torres said they have evidence to prove that Pasion joined the New People’s Army (NPA) operations in Mindoro Island based on captured documents from several armed clashes with rebels on the island.

“Foreign nationals who enter the Philippines are expected to respect and comply with the country’s legal framework, including immigration rules and prohibitions against involvement in unlawful political or armed activities,” Torres said in a statement.

“Evidence recovered from previous encounters —including handwritten notes and field reports— suggests possible involvement in activities linked to armed groups.”

Torres said the materials will be carefully examined to make sure that any action taken is based on verified facts and due process. (Also read: Rebels raise funds using the ‘Toboso’ firefight)

He said the law enforcement operation highlighted the ongoing challenge posed by groups and networks that draw foreign nationals into activities that may violate Philippine laws.

“The presence of Ms. Pasion alongside a wanted NPA personality, together with reports of her previous association with armed encounters in Mindoro, raises legitimate immigration and national security concerns,” he added.

Torre said the American will be given due process, investigation, and appropriate legal proceedings, including deportation proceedings or other sanctions, in accordance with the law.

Pasion’s case, Torres said, draws attention to the broader issue of deceptive recruitment of foreign nationals through the so-called “exposure missions” or “solidarity tours.”

“Such activities, while often presented as humanitarian or advocacy work, can place participants at serious legal and personal risk when they cross into involvement with armed groups,” he said.

Pasion is the latest case of Filipino-Americans who visit the Philippines on so-called “exposure trips” and ended up staying with Maoist-led guerrillas in Mindoro and Negros.

An American was found with rebels in Mindoro early this year after a clash, while three others were killed in another clash with soldiers in northern Negros.

Torres called on overseas Filipino communities, international student organizations, and solidarity networks to remain vigilant against deceptive recruitment efforts.