SURIGAO CITY, Surigao del Norte — A 35-year-old man identified by police as a former member of the Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) was arrested during a manhunt operation in Barangay Mat-i, Surigao City, on September 24, 2026, over a murder case stemming from the killing of a CAFGU Active Auxiliary (CAA) in Surigao del Sur in 2020.
The operation was conducted at about 10:25 a.m. by personnel of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) Surigao del Norte Provincial Field Unit, in coordination with the Surigao City Component Police Station.
Police said the suspect was arrested by virtue of a warrant of arrest for murder issued by a court in Tandag City, Surigao del Sur, on July 20, 2020. The warrant carries no recommended bail, according to the CIDG.
A report submitted to CIDG Director Police Major General Robert AA Morico II identified the arrested man as a resident of Cabadbaran City, Agusan del Norte. Authorities said he was formerly affiliated with the CPP-NPA and had been assigned to Sentro de Gravidad 21, Guerrilla Front 16, North Eastern Mindanao Regional Committee (NEMRC).
The suspect was also reportedly included in the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ Periodic Status Report in 2020.
Murder of CAA cited in case
According to the CIDG, the case stemmed from a shooting incident on April 14, 2020, at around 5:45 p.m. in Barangay Magroyong, San Miguel, Surigao del Sur.
Investigators alleged that the arrested man and 12 other individuals conspired and mutually assisted one another in attacking a male CAFGU Active Auxiliary.
The victim was allegedly shot in the face with a firearm, sustaining fatal injuries that resulted in his death.
The CIDG did not identify the victim in its report, and the allegations contained in the criminal case remain subject to judicial proceedings.
The arrest came more than six years after the reported killing, highlighting the continuing efforts of law enforcement authorities to locate and apprehend individuals with standing warrants for serious offenses.
CIDG vows continued pursuit of fugitives
The CIDG leadership commended Police Lieutenant Colonel Butch Ian C. Miñoza, Acting Regional Chief of CIDG Regional Field Unit 13, and the CIDG Surigao del Norte Provincial Field Unit under Police Lieutenant Colonel Darwin B. Dura for the operation.
The agency described the arrest as a significant development in the case involving the killing of the CAA, saying it contributes to government efforts against terrorism and helps provide a path toward justice for victims and their families.
The CIDG reiterated that it will continue operations targeting wanted persons, fugitives and individuals facing criminal charges, while supporting government efforts against armed groups.
Authorities said the arrested suspect will be subjected to the appropriate legal and court processes following his apprehension.