Maguindanao del Sur, May 1, 2025 — Authorities arrested a notorious member of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) during a joint law enforcement operation in Barangay Midpandacan, General Salipada K. Pendatun, Maguindanao del Sur.
The suspect, a 32-year-old male farmer and resident of the barangay, was apprehended through a warrant of arrest issued on December 17, 2020, by the Regional Trial Court Branch 15 in Shariff Aguak, Maguindanao. The warrant, which recommended no bail, was for the crime of murder.
According to the General SK Pendatun Municipal Police Station (GSKP MPS), the suspect is a confirmed member of the BIFF-Karialan Faction and has been involved in various criminal activities, including armed ambushes, harassment of military and police outposts, extortion, and illegal arms trade. His operations extended across Maguindanao del Norte, Maguindanao del Sur, and neighboring provinces.
He is listed as the No. 8 Most Wanted Person at the regional level under the Police Regional Office of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region (PRO BAR), and No. 6 at the provincial level by the Maguindanao del Sur Provincial Police Office.
The arrest was carried out by a composite team from the GSKP MPS (lead unit), the 2nd Provincial Mobile Force Company, the Regional Intelligence Division of PRO BAR, and the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) Maguindanao Provincial Field Unit.
After his capture, the suspect was brought to the GSKP MPS for initial documentation and later turned over to the CIDG for booking procedures. He is expected to be presented before the court that issued the warrant.
Police General Rommel Francisco D. Marbil, Chief of the Philippine National Police, has ordered intensified operations to track down and apprehend fugitives and high-value targets. PBGEN Romeo J. Macapaz, Regional Director of PRO BAR, reaffirmed the agency’s resolve to restore peace in the region.
“This is more than just law enforcement—it is about restoring public trust and protecting our communities. We will not allow criminals to roam free and threaten the peace we have worked hard to build in the Bangsamoro region,” PBGEN Macapaz said.
The successful operation underscores PRO BAR’s continued commitment to justice, public safety, and upholding the rule of law in the Bangsamoro region.