Authorities have arrested a suspected member of a Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) wanted for murder and kidnapping in Surigao del Norte, the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) said.
The suspect, identified only as “Ric,” 46, was apprehended on April 21 at around 2:20 p.m. during a manhunt operation conducted by the CIDG Surigao del Norte Field Unit, in coordination with local police, in Barangay Bad-as, Placer.
He was arrested by virtue of warrants issued by a Surigao City court in 2020 and 2021 for kidnapping and murder, respectively. He is a resident of the same barangay where he was arrested.
CIDG Director PMGen. Robert Morico II said the suspect is allegedly a member of the Communist Party of the Philippines–New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) and was identified as a team leader under the Sentro de Grabidad of Guerilla Front 16 of the North Eastern Mindanao Regional Committee.
Authorities said the suspect was listed in the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ Periodic Status Report for the first quarter of 2022 and ranked as the seventh most wanted person in the region under Police Regional Office 13.
Police said the murder charge stemmed from a July 26, 2021 incident in Barangay Bad-as, where the suspect allegedly shot a male victim, resulting in his death.
The kidnapping case dates back to April 5, 2020, when the suspect and several companions allegedly abducted three male students in Sitio Abobo, Barangay Pongtud, Bacuag. The victims had reportedly gone to a mountainous area to produce charcoal but failed to return home.
CIDG said the arrest is part of intensified manhunt operations aligned with the Philippine National Police’s campaign against terrorism and other serious crimes.
CIDG leadership commended the operatives involved, particularly personnel from the CIDG Regional Field Unit 13 and the Surigao del Norte Provincial Field Unit, for the successful operation.
The agency reiterated its commitment to pursue fugitives nationwide, stressing that operations will continue “without fear or favor” as part of efforts to maintain peace and order.