Surigao City, June 10 — A former commanding officer of a Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) operating in Northeastern Mindanao was arrested by police authorities in a manhunt operation conducted in Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur.
In a report released by the Surigao del Norte Police Provincial Office, Provincial Director PCOL Warren E. Dablo confirmed the arrest of alias Jama/Carding, a 41-year-old laborer and resident of Barangay Talisay, Hinatuan. The operation, carried out by personnel from the 1st Surigao del Norte Provincial Mobile Force Company (1st SDN PMFC) at around 12:01 PM on June 9, resulted in the capture of the wanted individual in Purok 1 of the said barangay.
Alias Jama, a former commander of the Sandatahang Yunit Pangpropaganda (SDG), Guerrilla Front 16A of the North Eastern Mindanao Regional Committee (NEMRC), was apprehended by virtue of multiple warrants of arrest for serious crimes, including:
- Murder (Criminal Case No. CR-2021-184) – no bail recommended;
- Attempted Murder (CR-2021-85) – Php120,000.00 bail;
- Multiple Attempted Murder (Criminal Case Nos. 12356 and 12399) – Php120,000.00 bail each;
- Attempted Homicide (Criminal Case No. 3879) – Php36,000.00 bail.
These warrants were issued by different branches of the Regional Trial Court (RTC) in Agusan del Norte and Surigao City from 2016 to 2021.
According to police intelligence, Jama had a long history of involvement in high-profile armed attacks and criminal activities. Among these were:
- The July 10, 2014 attack on the Alegria Municipal Police Station, where 17 light weapons were stolen, and two police officers were seriously injured;
- The kidnapping of four PNP personnel in Barangay Pungtod, Alegria, during the same incident;
- The burning of heavy equipment owned by ATDCI Construction;
- The October 3, 2011 attack on Taganito Mining Corporation, which caused an estimated Php580 million in damages;
- An ambush of Army troops in Sison in 2013; and
- The burning of a Forward truck loaded with copra in Barangay San Juan, Alegria.
PCOL Dablo commended the swift action of the police team and the support of the local community in facilitating the arrest. “The successful capture of the wanted NPA member is proof of the police’s determination and dedication to deliver justice to the victims and their families. He must be held accountable for the crimes he has committed,” he said in a statement.
He further emphasized the importance of community cooperation in achieving lasting peace and security in the province.
The suspect is now under the custody of the 1st SDN PMFC for proper disposition and further legal proceedings.