LAMITAN CITY, Basilan — Two individuals ranked among the top three most wanted persons in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region were arrested during a joint law enforcement operation in Lamitan City, Basilan, on October 26, 2026, in connection with a 2024 armed ambush that killed three Philippine Army intelligence personnel.
The Police Regional Office Bangsamoro Autonomous Region (PRO BAR) identified the arrested individuals as Abdul Hadi Siddick, alias “Epet,” 35, ranked No. 2, and Hamudi Baraun Ablaha, 32, ranked No. 3, on the regional police’s Most Wanted Persons List. Both are residents of Sitio Panandacan, Barangay Baimbing, Lamitan City.
The arrests were carried out at approximately 5:30 p.m. in the vicinity of Sitio Panandacan under the approved law enforcement operation plan, COPLAN “Greater Good.” The operation was led by the Provincial Drug Enforcement Unit/Provincial Special Operations Group (PDEU/PSOG) of the Basilan Police Provincial Office, in coordination with the Regional Intelligence Division Tracker Team, the 1st Provincial Mobile Force Company, the 1403rd Regional Mobile Force Battalion 14-B, and a Quick Reaction Force team from the 13th Special Forces Company, 6th Special Forces Battalion.
Facing three counts of murder
Both suspects were arrested by virtue of warrants issued by the Regional Trial Court on August 20, 2025, for three counts of murder under Article 248 of the Revised Penal Code.
According to PRO BAR, the two are among the primary accused in the armed ambush that took place on December 23, 2024, in Barangay Baimbing, Lamitan City. The attack resulted in the deaths of three Philippine Army intelligence personnel assigned to the Intelligence Service Unit (ISU).
The arrests mark a significant development in the case involving the killing of the three military personnel. However, the allegations against the arrested individuals remain subject to judicial proceedings, and their criminal liability must be determined by the courts.
Body cameras used during operation
PRO BAR said operating personnel used body-worn cameras and alternative recording devices to document the arrests, in compliance with applicable Supreme Court rules governing the implementation of arrest warrants.
The police will submit the corresponding returns of warrants to the issuing court as part of the required legal procedures. Meanwhile, tracker operations will continue to locate the remaining co-accused in the case.
The regional police said the operation forms part of its continuing efforts to apprehend wanted persons through intelligence-driven operations and coordination among police and military units.
“This accomplishment shows that we will not stop pursuing wanted persons throughout the Bangsamoro region. We will continue to intensify intelligence-driven operations and coordination to ensure that those accountable under the law face the proper process of justice. At PRO BAR, our service for the safety and peace of our people continues,” said PBGEN Christopher M. Abecia, regional director of PRO BAR.
Authorities urge public cooperation
PRO BAR reiterated its commitment to pursuing individuals with outstanding warrants and enforcing the law through coordinated operations based on intelligence gathering.
The public was also encouraged to provide credible information to authorities that could help locate other wanted persons and support ongoing law enforcement efforts.
With the two arrests, authorities are continuing efforts to track down the remaining accused in the December 2024 ambush, as the case proceeds through the judicial system.