DATU UNSAY, Maguindanao del Sur, Philippines — Police arrested a regional and provincial-level most wanted person allegedly linked to the January 2026 rocket-propelled grenade (RPG) attack on Shariff Aguak Mayor Datu Akmad “Mitra” B. Ampatuan, marking a new development in a case that has resulted in arrest warrants against 12 individuals, including incumbent Datu Unsay Mayor Datu Andal “Xyril” Ampatuan V.
The suspect, identified as Toraipe A. Lusod, also known as “Aripi Adam,” was arrested at around 2:45 p.m. on Saturday, October 24, in Barangay Meta, Datu Unsay, Maguindanao del Sur, after authorities served outstanding warrants of arrest against him in connection with multiple criminal cases.
Police identified Lusod as the province’s No. 1 most wanted person and the region’s No. 8 most wanted person. He is facing allegations involving acts of terrorism and frustrated murder, according to the police report.
The arrest represents a significant development in the investigation into the January 25, 2026, attack on Mayor Mitra, whose vehicle was reportedly targeted with an RPG while traveling through Barangay Poblacion in Shariff Aguak.
M4 rifle, ammunition recovered
Authorities recovered an M4 rifle chambered for 5.56-millimeter ammunition from Lusod during the operation.
The firearm was reportedly accompanied by a 45-round magazine containing 35 rounds of ammunition, as well as another round loaded in the rifle’s chamber.
The recovered weapon and ammunition are expected to form part of the evidence documentation and subsequent legal proceedings. The police report did not provide further details on the firearm’s registration or the specific charges, if any, arising separately from its possession.
Following his arrest, Lusod was brought to the Shariff Aguak Municipal Police Station, where he was placed under police custody for documentation and appropriate legal disposition.
Joint police operation
The Shariff Aguak Municipal Police Station led the operation, with support from personnel of the Maguindanao del Sur Police Provincial Office, Police Intelligence Unit, Special Action Force and Provincial Mobile Force Company. The operation was conducted in coordination with the Datu Unsay Municipal Police Station.
Authorities have not disclosed additional operational details, including whether the suspect offered resistance or whether other individuals were arrested during the operation.
Police said Lusod was allegedly linked to the RPG attack on Mayor Mitra on January 25. However, the allegations remain subject to judicial proceedings, and his arrest does not constitute a finding of guilt.
Attack prompted major criminal investigation
The January 25 ambush targeted Mayor Mitra as his convoy passed through Barangay Poblacion in Shariff Aguak. The mayor survived the attack, while two members of his security detail were reportedly wounded and taken to a hospital for treatment.
The incident triggered a joint investigation by police and military authorities. In the aftermath, investigators reported finding three individuals believed to have been involved in the attack dead in Sitio 24, Barangay Meta, Datu Unsay, several kilometers from the reported ambush site. An abandoned vehicle bearing multiple bullet holes was also discovered in the area.
Authorities said at the time that they were investigating the circumstances surrounding the deaths and examining possible links to the ambush.
The investigation subsequently advanced to the prosecution stage. In September 2026, a Regional Trial Court in Iligan City issued warrants of arrest against 12 individuals in connection with the attack, including Mayor Xyril Ampatuan.
The warrants followed a Department of Justice National Prosecution Service resolution recommending the filing of four counts of frustrated murder and charges under Republic Act No. 11479, or the Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020. The prosecution proceedings also involved allegations relating to attempted murder, malicious mischief and violations of Republic Act No. 9516 concerning explosives.
The 12 individuals named in the earlier report were Ababang Salik alias “Babang,” Edad Pendatun alias “Haider,” Aboher K. Guimbangan, Toraipe A. Lusod, Gapor Magaluyan, Datu Andal “Xyril” Ampatuan V, Mohammad Shamron Sapalon Uday alias “Tho Sapalon,” Samsudin K. Mokamad, Saudi M. Guiapal, Johari M. Guiapal, Soy Kali, and Datuben Gayon Alib Dimau, also known as Datuben Alib Dimao.
Lusod’s arrest is the latest publicly reported enforcement action in the case. The available information does not establish the current status of the arrest warrants against the other individuals named in the proceedings.
Legal proceedings to continue
Lusod remains under police custody pending the necessary documentation and further legal procedures. Authorities have not provided additional information on when he will be presented before the court or whether further charges will be pursued based on the firearm and ammunition recovered during the operation.
The charges against Lusod and the other respondents remain allegations to be resolved through the judicial process. The issuance of arrest warrants and the filing or recommendation of criminal charges do not, by themselves, establish guilt.
The latest arrest adds another development to a high-profile case involving an alleged attack on a sitting municipal mayor and multiple respondents facing serious criminal allegations. Further court proceedings are expected to determine the individual liability of those accused.
No response from Lusod or his legal representative was included in the police report concerning his arrest.