CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY — Authorities arrested the No. 1 Most Wanted Person in Northern Mindanao during an intelligence-driven manhunt operation in Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon early Tuesday, March 10, bringing to a close years of pursuit linked to the killing of a former barangay captain in Misamis Oriental.
Operatives of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) Lanao del Norte Provincial Field Unit, in coordination with the Philippine Army, the Intelligence Group, and territorial police units, carried out the operation at around 7:32 a.m., resulting in the arrest of Arman, 38, a resident of Balingasag, Misamis Oriental.
The suspect was arrested by virtue of a warrant of arrest for murder issued by a court in Misamis Oriental on January 12, 2026.
According to a report submitted to CIDG Director PMGen. Robert AA Morico II, the accused is listed as the Number 1 Regional Most Wanted Person of Police Regional Office 10 (Northern Mindanao).
Authorities also identified the suspect as an alleged member of a Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) assigned to Squad 1, Sub-Regional Committee 1 (SRC-1) of the North Central Mindanao Regional Committee (NCMRC). He was likewise included in the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ Periodic Status Report for the fourth quarter of 2025.
Killing of Former Barangay Captain
Investigators traced the murder case back to August 12, 2015, when the accused, along with six other alleged members of the Communist Party of the Philippines–New People’s Army (CPP-NPA), reportedly carried out a fatal attack in Purok 3, Barangay Ampianga, Sugbongcogon, Misamis Oriental.
Police said the group, armed with firearms, allegedly shot and killed a former barangay captain of the village at around 8 p.m. that evening.
Years later, on October 2, 2025, the CIDG Misamis Oriental Provincial Field Unit reopened and investigated the case, eventually filing murder charges before the Office of the Provincial Prosecutor in Cagayan de Oro City.
Following the filing of the case, the court issued a warrant for the suspect’s arrest on January 12, 2026, prompting intensified manhunt operations by law enforcement authorities.
Intelligence-Driven Arrest
The arrest was part of the CIDG’s intensified campaign against fugitives and criminal elements, in line with the focused operational thrust of Philippine National Police Chief Police General Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr.
The CIDG leadership commended CIDG Regional Field Unit 10 chief PCOL Jonathan B. Papay and the CIDG Lanao del Norte Provincial Field Unit, led by PMAJ Joselito L. Tan Jr., for the successful and coordinated operation that resulted in the suspect’s capture.
Recognition was also given to the CIDG Misamis Oriental Provincial Field Unit, headed by PMAJ Nigel Z. Sanoy, for conducting the investigation and filing the criminal complaint that led to the issuance of the arrest warrant.
Pursuit of Justice
Authorities said the arrest highlights the CIDG’s commitment to delivering justice for victims of violent crimes, from the initial investigation to the capture of suspects.
“This accomplishment underscores the unit’s dedication in helping victims obtain the justice they deserve,” the CIDG said in a statement, describing the arrest as a significant victory in the government’s campaign against terrorism and criminality.
The CIDG assured the public that it will continue its relentless pursuit of wanted persons, fugitives, and criminal suspects across the country, emphasizing that law enforcement agencies remain determined to track down those evading justice.