CAMP ALAGAR, Cagayan de Oro City – A significant blow was dealt to insurgent forces with the arrest of a high-ranking Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) leader in Marawi City, Lanao del Sur, on October 2, 2024. Personnel from the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) Misamis Oriental/Camiguin Provincial Field Unit, the 103rd Infantry “Haribon” Brigade of the 1st Infantry Division of the Philippine Army, and the Regional Intelligence Unit 10 carried out the successful operation.
The arrested individual, identified by the aliases “Kiram Kuya” and “Mecca,” is a 36-year-old resident of Malaybalay City, Bukidnon. He is a member of the Communist Terrorist Group, holding the position of Deputy Secretary of Platoon Ferrari and Commanding Officer of the Special Regional Operations Command (SROC) under the Sub-Regional Committee 5 of the Northern Central Mindanao Regional Committee (SRC-5, NCMRC). He was listed as one of the Top 8 Regional Most Wanted Persons (MWP).
According to the 103rd Infantry Brigade’s 3rd Quarter 2023 Periodic Status Report, the suspect’s responsibilities include organizing and overseeing the group’s activities. As Deputy Secretary, he serves as second-in-command and assumes full leadership in the absence of the Secretary.
The arrest was made under a warrant for violation of Republic Act No. 9851, the Philippine Act on Crimes Against International Humanitarian Law, Genocide, and Other Crimes Against Humanity. The case is filed under Criminal Case No. R-CDO-21-03229-CR, dated January 17, 2022. No bail was recommended for the suspect, who is now in the custody of CIDG Misamis Oriental for documentation and further legal proceedings.
PBGEN Jaysen C. De Guzman, Acting Regional Director of Police Regional Office 10 (PRO10), praised the successful operation and highlighted the importance of collaboration between law enforcement and military units in capturing high-profile criminals. “Let this serve as a stern warning to those who threaten the peace and security of our communities: no one is beyond the reach of justice. PRO10, in coordination with the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and other law enforcement agencies, will continue to pursue those who operate outside the law and ensure that they are brought to justice for the safety and protection of our people,” he said.
PBGEN De Guzman also assured the public that PRO10 will remain relentless in its mission to maintain peace, order, and security in Northern Mindanao, pledging continued efforts to bring all lawbreakers to justice.
