COTABATO CITY — Authorities have arrested a high-ranking wanted individual and alleged member of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) in a coordinated law enforcement operation on April 1, 2026, marking a significant breakthrough in the campaign against fugitives in the region.
The suspect, identified only by the alias “Tongtong,” was listed in the E-Warrant System as the No. 2 Most Wanted Person (MWP) at the provincial level. He was apprehended by operatives of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) Cotabato City Field Unit, which led the operation alongside multiple police units.
These included the Regional Special Operations Task Group of the Regional Field Unit Bangsamoro Autonomous Region (RSOT RFU BAR), City Intelligence Team of the Regional Intelligence Unit 15 (CIT RIU15), Provincial Intelligence Unit of Maguindanao del Norte (PIU MDN), the 4th Maneuver Platoon, the City Mobile Force Company, and Police Station 3 of the Cotabato City Police Office.
The arrest was carried out by virtue of a Warrant of Arrest for Murder under Article 248 of the Revised Penal Code, tied to Criminal Case Number 2025-17197. The warrant was issued on February 20, 2026, by Presiding Judge Bai Ashrafia Aymee A. Biruar of the Regional Trial Court, 12th Judicial Region, Branch 14 in Cotabato City. The court recommended no bail, underscoring the gravity of the charge.
Authorities said the suspect is an active member of the MILF’s Inner Guard Base Command, reportedly operating from Camp Darapanan in Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao del Norte.
Following his arrest, “Tongtong” was placed under the custody of the CIDG Cotabato City Field Unit and is currently detained at their facility. Documentation is being finalized for his formal presentation before the court.
PLTCOL Niño Lope M. Briones, Officer-in-Charge of the CIDG Cotabato City Field Unit, commended the joint operating teams for their professionalism, coordination, and dedication in successfully carrying out the mission.
“This accomplishment reflects our firm commitment to track down wanted individuals and ensure that justice is served. There will be no safe haven for those who violate the law,” Briones said.
The successful arrest highlights the continuing efforts of the CIDG and its partner units to intensify operations against fugitives, particularly those facing serious criminal charges, as part of broader initiatives to maintain peace and order in Cotabato City and neighboring areas.