MAITUM, SARANGANI PROVINCE — A joint police operation led by the Maitum Municipal Police Station successfully arrested a wanted individual identified only by the alias “Wok”, a validated member of Guerrilla Front 73 (GF73) – MUSA, a subversive group operating under the Far South Mindanao Region (FSMR).
The operation was carried out along the National Highway of Purok Waling-Waling, Barangay Pangi, Maitum on October 14, 2025. It was jointly executed by the Sarangani Police Provincial Office, Provincial Intelligence Unit, Regional Intelligence Division 12 Tracker Team Foxtrot, and the 2nd Sarangani Provincial Mobile Force Company.
Police Major Ramil B. Aruelo, Chief of Police of Maitum, led the enforcement of the Warrant of Arrest issued against “Wok” for Murder under Criminal Case No. 002479-21. The warrant, issued by the Regional Trial Court Branch 38 in Alabel, Sarangani on October 7, 2022, carried no bail recommendation.
Authorities confirmed that “Wok” is a known operative of GF73-MUSA, a rebel faction active in the municipalities of Maasim, Kiamba, and Maitum, all within Sarangani Province.
Following his arrest, the suspect was read his constitutional rights and brought to the Sarangani Provincial Hospital in Maitum for medical examination before being placed under the custody of the Maitum Municipal Police Station.
Police officials lauded the successful operation, describing it as a major step in the province’s continuing effort to dismantle armed groups and bring justice to victims of violence.
“The successful arrest of one of the region’s most wanted individuals underscores the unwavering commitment of our police force to uphold justice and protect the public,” the Sarangani Police Provincial Office said in a statement. “We remain dedicated to locating high-priority targets and ensuring they are brought before the law to answer for their actions.”
The arrest marks another significant achievement in the intensified campaign of the Sarangani Police against criminality and insurgency in the province.