Upi, Maguindanao del Norte — A significant milestone in the campaign against criminality was achieved on the evening of November 7, 2024, when law enforcement authorities successfully apprehended one of the Top 10 Most Wanted Persons in Maguindanao del Norte. The arrest took place at approximately 9:30 PM in Sitio Sabaken, Barangay Bungcoc, Upi.
The operation was a coordinated effort involving multiple police units. Led by the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) of Maguindanao Provincial Field Unit (PFU), the operation was supported by teams from the Counter-Intelligence Task Force of Region 15 (CIT RIU15), the Provincial Intelligence Unit of Maguindanao del Norte Police Provincial Office (PIU Maguindanao Del Norte PPO), and the Upi Municipal Police Station.
The suspect, a resident of Barangay Sefegefen in Upi, Maguindanao del Norte, is also the top Most Wanted Person in Upi Municipality. He is wanted for violating Republic Act No. 10591, the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act. The warrant for his arrest was issued by the Regional Trial Court, 12th Judicial Region, Branch 27, in Cotabato City, with a recommended bail of Php 170,000.
To ensure transparency, officers utilized two Alternative Recording Devices, serial numbers CIDG-2024-001 and CIDG-2024-005, to document the operation in real time. Upon his capture, the suspect was informed of his rights under the Miranda Doctrine, as well as his protections under the Anti-Torture Act of 2009 (RA 9745), in a dialect he understood. He was then transported to the CIDG Maguindanao PFU Office for further processing and documentation.
Police Regional Office Bangsamoro Autonomous Region (PRO BAR) Regional Director, PBGEN Romeo J. Macapaz, praised the professionalism and dedication of the units involved in the operation. He emphasized that PRO BAR remains committed to upholding law and order, and that they will continue to prioritize operations against individuals who pose threats to community safety.
This arrest marks a critical step in the ongoing effort to reduce crime and strengthen public security in the region. The apprehension of the suspect demonstrates the commitment of law enforcement agencies to bring justice to those who flout the law and endanger the safety of residents in Maguindanao del Norte.
