DIGOS CITY, Davao del Sur — Authorities arrested a high-ranking member of the Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) who had long been wanted for multiple violent crimes during a manhunt operation conducted Tuesday afternoon, March 11, in Barangay Kapatagan, this city.
Operatives of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) Davao del Sur Provincial Field Unit, working closely with territorial police units, captured the suspect at around 5:25 p.m. by virtue of several outstanding warrants of arrest issued by courts in the Caraga region.
The arrested suspect, identified only by his alias “Manny,” 31, married and a resident of Digos City, is alleged to be a ranking member of the CTG serving as Vice-Commander of the Sub-Regional Sentro De Gravidad (SRSDG) under the Sub-Regional Committee Wesland (SRC-WL) of the North Eastern Mindanao Regional Committee (NEMRC).
According to a report submitted to CIDG Director Police Major General Robert AA Morico II, the suspect had multiple warrants of arrest issued against him by courts in Agusan del Norte and Agusan del Sur for serious criminal offenses, including two counts of murder, attempted murder, frustrated murder, and attempted homicide.
Court records show that the warrants were issued on various dates: October 11, 2021; November 4, 2021; March 11, 2022; June 8, 2022; and March 11, 2024.
Police authorities also confirmed that the suspect is listed as the No. 8 Regional Most Wanted Person in the Caraga Region due to his alleged involvement in a series of killings and attempted killings in Agusan provinces.
Military records further indicate that the suspect appeared in the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ Periodic Status Report for the fourth quarter of 2025, identifying him as an active CTG operative.
The successful manhunt operation forms part of the intensified campaign of the Philippine National Police against terrorism and criminal fugitives, in line with the program thrust of PNP Chief Police General Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr., who has ordered stronger efforts to dismantle armed insurgent groups and bring wanted individuals to justice.
CIDG leadership commended the personnel behind the intelligence-driven operation, particularly Police Lieutenant Colonel Ariel T. Huesca, Regional Chief of CIDG Regional Field Unit 11, and the CIDG Davao del Sur Provincial Field Unit headed by Police Major Santi Noel G. Matira.
Morico said the arrest demonstrates the continued commitment of law enforcement agencies to pursue fugitives involved in violent crimes and insurgency-related activities.
“The successful arrest of this regional most wanted fugitive underscores our determination to support the government’s fight against terrorism and to ensure that justice is served for the victims and their families,” Morico said.
Authorities did not disclose further operational details but confirmed that the suspect is now under police custody and will be turned over to the appropriate courts that issued the arrest warrants.
The CIDG assured the public that it will continue relentless operations nationwide to locate, track, and arrest criminals and fugitives, regardless of where they attempt to hide.