BUTUAN CITY — The Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) has intensified its campaign against terrorism following the successful arrest of a former Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) member who is listed as the No. 2 Regional Most Wanted Person in the Caraga Region.
The suspect was apprehended in a manhunt operation conducted by the CIDG Surigao del Norte Provincial Field Unit at around 2:30 p.m. on January 8, 2026, in Sitio Tumoloy, Barangay Anticala, Butuan City, Agusan del Norte.
The arrested individual, identified as “Pedro,” 49 years old, single, a farmer, and a resident of the area, was captured by virtue of warrants of arrest for Murder issued by the court in Butuan City on December 13, 2021, with no bail recommended.
A report submitted to CIDG Director Police Major General Robert AA Morico II revealed that Pedro is a former member of the Communist Terrorist Group serving under Squad 1, Platoon 1 of the Sub-Regional Sentro de Gravidad (SRSDG) Westland of the CPP/NPA. He is also included in the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ Periodic Status Report (PSR) for the first quarter of 2024.
Authorities said the suspect was involved in a deadly ambush on June 24, 2021, around 7:30 p.m. in Purok 5, Barangay Tagbungabong, Remedios T. Romualdez, Agusan del Norte, where he and three other armed men allegedly opened fire on a member of the Civilian Armed Forces Geographical Unit (CAFGU) using AK-47 rifles. The victim sustained multiple gunshot wounds and was declared dead.
The CIDG leadership commended PLTCOL Butch Ian C. Miñoza, Regional Chief of CIDG Regional Field Unit 13 (Caraga), and the CIDG Surigao del Norte Provincial Field Unit headed by PLTCOL Darwin B. Dura for the successful intelligence-driven operation.
The CIDG said the arrest underscores the unit’s unwavering commitment to bring justice to victims and to support the government’s relentless fight against terrorism.
The agency assured the public that it remains steadfast in enforcing the law and relentless in pursuing criminals, wanted persons, and fugitives nationwide.
“The CIDG means business,” the statement concluded.