GENERAL SANTOS CITY — A high-value fugitive tagged as the Top 1 Most Wanted Person in Maguindanao del Sur and the Top 9 Most Wanted Person in the region was arrested during a joint law enforcement operation at the General Santos City International Airport on Friday, June 6, authorities said.
The suspect, identified as Nickson Gayak Kamangon, also known by the aliases “Nexon” and “Nelson,” was apprehended while undergoing routine airport security screening at the airport in Barangay Tambler, General Santos City.
Authorities said Kamangon is an alleged member of the DI-Hassan Group and has been the subject of an intensive manhunt following his alleged involvement in a deadly ambush against police officers earlier this year.
The arrest was carried out through a coordinated operation led by the Maguindanao del Sur Police Provincial Office (MDSPPO), with support from multiple law enforcement and security units, including the Provincial Intelligence Unit of MDSPPO, the 85th Special Action Company Rapid Deployment Battalion of the Special Action Force, Aviation Security Unit 12, Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG), Regional Intelligence Unit 15, the 1201st Regional Mobile Force Battalion of Police Regional Office 12, General Santos International Airport Police Station, Shariff Aguak Municipal Police Station, the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines–Security and Intelligence Service, the 601st Brigade of the Philippine Army, and other partner agencies.
Police said the operation was implemented by virtue of a warrant of arrest issued by Judge Annabelle D.P. Piang, Presiding Judge of the Regional Trial Court Branch 15 in Shariff Aguak, Maguindanao del Sur, dated May 18, 2026.
Kamangon is facing multiple criminal charges, including:
- Multiple Counts of Murder under Article 248 of the Revised Penal Code;
- Frustrated Murder under Article 248 of the Revised Penal Code; and
- Robbery with Violence or Intimidation of Persons under Article 294 of the Revised Penal Code.
Investigators linked the suspect to the March 28, 2026 ambush in Shariff Aguak, Maguindanao del Sur, which resulted in the deaths of five Philippine National Police personnel and left three others wounded.
The attack drew widespread condemnation and prompted intensified law enforcement operations across the province aimed at identifying and apprehending those responsible.
Following his arrest, Kamangon was placed under police custody pending his turnover to the appropriate court and authorities for proper legal proceedings.
Police officials described the successful operation as a significant breakthrough in the government’s campaign against wanted persons and armed groups operating in the region.
In a statement, PBGEN Christopher M. Abecia, Acting Regional Director of the Police Regional Office–Bangsamoro Autonomous Region (PRO-BAR), commended the operatives and participating units for their coordinated efforts that led to the capture of the fugitive.
“This success is clear proof of our unwavering commitment to pursuing individuals involved in criminal activities wherever they may hide,” Abecia said. “We will continue to deliver justice for the victims, their families, and the communities we serve. Let this serve as a reminder that no one can escape the law and accountability for their actions.”
Authorities said the arrest underscores the continuing collaboration among police, military, intelligence, and aviation security agencies in tracking down high-profile fugitives and ensuring that individuals facing serious criminal charges are brought before the courts to answer for their alleged crimes.