SULTAN KUDARAT, MAGUINDANAO DEL NORTE / MARANTAO, LANAO DEL SUR — In a strong show of commitment to peace and security in the Bangsamoro region, police units under the Police Regional Office of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region (PRO BAR) arrested two high-profile fugitives on May 5, 2025, in separate operations in Maguindanao del Norte and Lanao del Sur.
In Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao del Norte, authorities successfully apprehended a fugitive listed as the Top 1 Most Wanted Person at the municipal level and Top 2 at the provincial level. The arrest occurred at the Cotabato Sanitarium Hospital in Barangay Ungap, where the suspect was confined for medical treatment.
The arrest was made by virtue of an Alias Warrant of Arrest issued by the Regional Trial Court Branch 13 in Cotabato City, dated March 11, 2025. The suspect is facing charges of Multiple Murder, Frustrated Murder, and Double Frustrated Murder, with no bail recommended. While still under medical care, the suspect remains in tight police custody pending legal proceedings.
Meanwhile, in Barangay Ilian, Marantao, Lanao del Sur, police arrested a man identified by the alias “Sadic,” 25, and a resident of the area. He was among the Top 7 Most Wanted Persons in Lanao del Sur and also ranked as the Top 2 Most Wanted by the Marawi City Police Station. The arrest was also carried out through a warrant of arrest for murder, similarly without bail.
The suspect is currently detained at the Marantao Municipal Police Station while necessary documentation is being prepared before he is turned over to the court.
PBGEN Romeo Juan Macapaz, Regional Director of PRO BAR, praised the operating units for their precise and coordinated efforts in apprehending the fugitives.
“These arrests are a testament to our dedication to the rule of law and our mission to bring fugitives to justice. PRO BAR will continue its relentless campaign against wanted persons to ensure peace and safety in the Bangsamoro region,” PBGEN Macapaz said.
The regional director also reiterated the police force’s commitment to the national directive of PNP Chief PGEN Rommel Francisco D. Marbil in intensifying the campaign against criminality across the country.
“The success of these operations reflects the strengthened cooperation between the police and the public. With continued community support, we can expedite the resolution of cases and sustain peace in our communities,” PBGEN Macapaz added.
These recent arrests form part of the broader efforts of the PNP to bolster law enforcement and maintain public safety throughout the Bangsamoro region and the rest of the Philippines.