BUTUAN CITY — A joint police-military operation led to the arrest of a former ranking official of a Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) who was wanted in connection with three criminal cases in Surigao del Sur, authorities reported on October 17, 2026.
The suspect, identified by the aliases “Kenny” and “Tikoy,” was apprehended in Purok 5, Villa Kananga, Butuan City, following an operation conducted by personnel of the Cagwait Municipal Police Station under the Police Regional Office 13, in coordination with the Philippine Army’s 36th Infantry Battalion and 4th Infantry Division.
Police records identified the arrested individual as a former vice-commanding officer and political adviser of the CTG’s North Eastern Mindanao Regional Committee. He had previously been included on Surigao del Sur’s list of most wanted persons due to pending criminal cases.
Authorities said the arrest was carried out by virtue of warrants issued by the Regional Trial Court, 11th Judicial Region, Branch 28 in Lianga, Surigao del Sur. The cases involve frustrated murder, attempted murder, and robbery, with recommended bail amounts of ₱200,000, ₱120,000, and ₱48,000, respectively.
The successful operation underscores the importance of sustained coordination, intelligence-sharing, and cooperation between police and military units in locating individuals with outstanding warrants and bringing them before the courts.
The Philippine National Police (PNP) said the arrest forms part of its continuing efforts to strengthen law enforcement operations, ensure accountability, and prevent wanted individuals from evading the judicial process.
“Wanted persons cannot simply remain outside the reach of the law. We will continue working with our partner agencies to locate them and serve the warrants entrusted to us. Ang mahalaga, ginagawa natin ito nang maayos, may koordinasyon, at may respeto sa proseso ng korte,” the PNP said in a statement attributed to its chief.
The operation also supports the PNP Focused Agenda, particularly its Enhanced Managing Police Operations (EMPO), which seeks to make police operations more coordinated, targeted, and responsive to security concerns.
Authorities said the arrest further contributes to broader government efforts to maintain peace and security through stronger cooperation among law enforcement agencies and the military, consistent with the administration of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.
The PNP emphasized that the arrested individual remains entitled to all rights guaranteed under the Constitution and will undergo the appropriate judicial proceedings to address the charges against him.
Police also urged the public to report credible information about wanted persons through proper channels, stressing that community cooperation can help authorities locate suspects and enforce court-issued warrants.
The cases against the arrested individual will proceed through the judicial system, where the allegations will be addressed in accordance with the law.