police and military operation in Zamboanga del Sur, the Philippine National Police (PNP) said Friday.
The 45-year-old suspect, who was allegedly linked to a communist insurgency group operating in the region, was captured on May 5 during a coordinated manhunt operation involving several law enforcement and military units.
The operation was led by the Provincial Highway Patrol Team–Zamboanga del Sur in coordination with the Guipos Municipal Police Station, the Provincial Intelligence Team of Regional Intelligence Unit 9, the Sergio Osmeña Municipal Police Station, and the Philippine Army’s 53rd Infantry Battalion under the 1st Infantry Division.
Police said the arrest was carried out based on warrants issued by the Regional Trial Court Branch 9 in Dipolog City and Branch 23 in Molave, Zamboanga del Sur.
The suspect is facing four counts of attempted murder and two counts of frustrated murder.
Authorities said bail was set at P240,000 for each attempted murder case and P400,000 for each frustrated murder charge.
Before his arrest, the accused had been listed as the Top Most Wanted Person under Police Regional Office 9.
Following the operation, the suspect was brought to the Provincial Highway Patrol Team office in Zamboanga del Sur for documentation and processing before being turned over to the issuing courts.
PNP chief Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said the arrest highlights the continuing efforts of authorities to track down individuals involved in violent crimes and insurgency-related activities.
“No individual can stay beyond the reach of the law when lives and public safety are at risk,” Nartatez said.
The PNP chief added that sustained intelligence operations and close coordination between police and military units remain critical in addressing threats to peace and order in the region.
The PNP said the arrest forms part of its intensified campaign against wanted persons and armed groups under the government’s broader peace and security initiatives.