Lanao del Norte, Philippines – In a major breakthrough for law enforcement, the topmost wanted individual in Lanao del Sur, known by the alias “Lapitos,” was arrested on October 16, 2024, in Barangay Maria Christina, Iligan City, Lanao del Norte. The arrest was part of a joint law enforcement operation under “Oplan Pagtugis,” led by the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) Lanao del Sur Provincial Field Unit (PFU), in collaboration with multiple security forces.
PCOL Robert S. Daculan, Provincial Director of the Lanao del Sur Police Provincial Office (LDSPPO), praised the operatives involved, including the 2nd Mechanized Infantry Brigade, Armor Division-Philippine Army, PIT LDS-RIU15, PPO LDS, PIU LDS PPO, 1402nd Regional Mobile Force Battalion 14, and Marawi City Police Station. The combined efforts of these units led to the successful arrest of “Lapitos,” a resident of Barangay Lininding, Munai, Lanao del Norte.
The arrest warrant, issued on October 11, 2024, by the Presiding Judge of Branch 1, 12th Judicial Region, RTC, Iligan City, Lanao del Norte, charged the suspect with violating Section 4 of Republic Act No. 11479, the Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020, under Criminal Case Number 24-30066. Due to the gravity of the charges, no bail was recommended for the accused.
“Lapitos” is a known member of the Daulah Islamiah Maute Group, a terrorist organization responsible for several violent attacks in the region. He is particularly infamous for orchestrating the bombing at Mindanao State University’s Dimaporo Gymnasium on December 3, 2023. The bombing, which occurred during a Eucharistic celebration, involved an improvised explosive device (IED) that was placed in the center of the gym and detonated, resulting in the deaths of four individuals and injuries to fifty-seven others.
Following his arrest, the suspect was informed of his constitutional rights and those under RA 9745, the Anti-Torture Act of 2009, in a language he understood. He was subsequently turned over to the 2nd Mechanized Infantry Brigade, Armor Division-Philippine Army, for proper documentation and further legal proceedings.
The successful apprehension of the top 1 most wanted individual at the provincial level highlights the continued commitment of law enforcement agencies to bring those involved in terrorism and violence to justice.
