CAMP ALAGAR, Cagayan de Oro City — After nearly two decades in hiding, a former Army officer tagged as one of the Philippine National Police’s most wanted kidnappers was finally arrested in a joint intelligence-driven operation in Barangay Limonda, Opol, on February 15, 2026.
The accused, known by the alias “Tinyente Preacher Jacob,” is a former member of the Philippine Army who once held the rank of Second Lieutenant and completed the elite Scout Ranger Course. Authorities said his military background and tactical training enabled him to evade arrest for 19 years.
He was apprehended by operatives of the Regional Intelligence Division 10 (RID10), which led the operation, in coordination with the 2nd Provincial Mobile Force Company of Misamis Oriental, the 1001st Maneuver Company of the Regional Mobile Force Battalion 10, the Opol Municipal Police Station, DI-MAPIO, and the Philippine National Police Anti-Kidnapping Group – Mindanao Field Unit (Iligan Satellite Office).
Long-Standing Kidnapping Case
Jacob has an outstanding Warrant of Arrest for Violation of Article 267 of the Revised Penal Code (Kidnapping for Ransom), as amended by Republic Act 7659. The warrant, docketed under Criminal Case Nos. 07-1256 and 07-1257, was issued on June 29, 2007 by the Regional Trial Court, Branch 145, in Makati City. No bail was recommended for his temporary liberty.
He was included in the PNP’s Most Wanted Kidnappers list in 2011 and carried a standing reward of ₱300,000 under the Most Wanted Persons with Reward program pursuant to a Department of the Interior and Local Government Memorandum Circular dated February 8, 2023.
Court records show that on May 24, 2007, Filipino-Pakistani businessman Tariq Mian was abducted by armed men in front of his store along Dela Rosa Street corner Santuico Street in Makati City. The kidnappers demanded ransom, and negotiations led to a ₱2 million payoff on June 2, 2007.
Despite receiving the money, the abductors did not immediately free the victim, telling him he would be released the following day. On June 3, 2007, Mian was eventually released along N. Garcia Street in Makati City and was recovered by operatives of the now-defunct Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission’s Police Anti-Crime Emergency Response (PACER) unit.
Co-Accused Already Serving Life Sentences
A follow-up police operation years ago resulted in the arrest of several suspects linked to the crime. In 2018, Jacob’s co-accused — two former soldiers, one police officer, and three other individuals — were convicted by the Regional Trial Court, Branch 150, in Makati City. They were found guilty of kidnapping for ransom and sentenced to reclusion perpetua, or up to 40 years of imprisonment under Philippine law.
However, Jacob managed to evade arrest and remained at large until Sunday’s operation in Misamis Oriental.
Police officials said his capture effectively closes a major chapter in one of Metro Manila’s high-profile kidnapping cases in the late 2000s.
“Justice Has Finally Caught Up”
PBGEN Christopher N. Abrahano, Regional Director of the Police Regional Office 10, lauded the operating units for their persistence and coordination.
He emphasized that the arrest underscores law enforcement’s long-term commitment to tracking fugitives, regardless of how long they have evaded authorities.
“For 19 years he hid from the law, but justice has finally caught up. His arrest closes a long-standing kidnapping case where his co-accused have already been sentenced to reclusion perpetua. This sends a clear message: fugitives may run, but they cannot outrun justice,” Abrahano said.
Under Custody
Following his arrest, the accused was placed under the custody of the Maharlika Detention Cell in Cagayan de Oro City for proper disposition and turnover to the issuing court.
Authorities renewed their appeal to the public to continue supporting law enforcement agencies by providing timely and credible information that could lead to the arrest of fugitives and other criminal elements.
With Jacob’s capture, police say a 19-year manhunt has finally ended — reinforcing their message that even the longest run from justice has its limits.