October 9, 2025
CLAVER, Surigao del Norte — In a major blow to communist terrorist operations in CARAGA Region, authorities arrested a couple identified as regional-level most wanted persons, both facing multiple criminal charges ranging from murder to human trafficking and violations of international humanitarian law.
The operation, carried out by the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) Surigao del Norte Provincial Field Unit in coordination with the Intelligence Group and territorial police units, took place on October 3, 2025, in Barangay Cagdianao, Claver, Surigao del Norte. The arrest was part of the CIDG’s intensified OPLAN PAGTUGIS manhunt operation, in line with the directive of PNP Acting Chief, Police Lieutenant General Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr., to sustain the national campaign against terrorism.
According to Police Major General Robert A. Morico II, Acting Director of the CIDG, the suspects—identified only as “Ben” and “Raquel”—are common-law partners and known members of the Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) under Weakened Guerilla Front 30 (WGF 30). Both were captured by virtue of multiple warrants of arrest issued by various courts in Agusan del Norte, Surigao del Norte, and Surigao del Sur between 2020 and 2023.
“Ben” ranks No. 2 on the Regional Most Wanted Persons list in CARAGA, wanted for seven criminal cases including Murder, Frustrated Murder, Multiple Attempted Murder, and violations of Republic Act 9208 (Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act) as amended by RA 10364, as well as Republic Act 9851 (Philippine Act on Crimes Against International Humanitarian Law, Genocide, and Other Crimes Against Humanity).
Meanwhile, “Raquel” is listed as No. 3 Regional Most Wanted, facing eight separate warrants of arrest for Multiple Attempted Murder, Frustrated Murder, Slight Illegal Detention, Arson, and the same violations of RA 9208 and RA 9851.
Authorities said the couple and their co-accused CTG members have long been linked to a series of killings, atrocities, and acts of terrorism that terrorized communities in CARAGA. Their arrest marks another success in the government’s ongoing campaign to neutralize remaining communist insurgent elements and bring justice to victims of their violent activities.
The CIDG assured that the manhunt against other fugitive CTG members continues as part of its relentless pursuit of peace, order, and justice across Mindanao and the rest of the country.