SULU, Philippines – Authorities have arrested a suspected member of a notorious private armed group in Sulu, identified as Otoh Sali, alias “Otoh Mangguna,” according to the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) Sulu Provincial Field Unit.
CIDG Acting Director Brig. Gen. Romeo Macapaz confirmed that Sali was taken into custody by virtue of an arrest warrant issued by the Regional Trial Court (RTC) of Parang, Sulu, dated September 15, 2023. The warrant covers 10 counts of frustrated murder, five counts of attempted murder, and violation of Republic Act 9516, or the Comprehensive Law on Firearms and Ammunition.
The arrest operation was successfully carried out in Barangay Bualo Higad, Maimbung, Sulu, on the morning of Friday, July 25.
Sali is allegedly affiliated with the Pando Mudiasan private armed group, which operates in Sulu and has been linked to various violent incidents in the region.
According to Macapaz, Sali was also involved in an armed encounter on June 24, 2023, between his group and joint elements of the Philippine National Police-Special Action Force (PNP-SAF) and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP). The skirmish occurred during an operation to serve arrest warrants against members of the Pando Mudiasan group. The encounter resulted in the death of a SAF member.
“I commend the CIDG Sulu Provincial Field Unit and the joint teams for their bravery and swift and responsive police action that resulted in the successful capture of this fugitive,” Macapaz stated. “With his arrest, we help the victims and their families attain the justice they deserve.”
Authorities have not disclosed further details on the circumstances of the arrest or the current status of the other suspects affiliated with the group. Investigations remain ongoing.