The Criminal Investigation and Detection Group arrested three alleged members of the Communist Terrorist Group in Masbate for the 2010 murder of a public school teacher, police said.
The arrests were carried out from May 12 to 14, 2026, as part of intensified manhunt operations against CTG fugitives under the campaign thrust of PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr. to sustain operations against terrorism.
The CIDG Masbate Provincial Field Unit, together with the Regional Intelligence Unit 5, Masbate Police Intelligence Team, PNP Special Action Force, Philippine Army intelligence units, and territorial police units, conducted successive operations that led to the arrest of three suspects by virtue of a warrant of arrest for murder issued by a Masbate court on Nov. 20, 2025. No bail was recommended.
A report received by Maj. Gen. Robert AA Morico II identified the arrested suspects as brothers “Rex” and “Abe,” and their cousin “Noy,” all of legal age and residents of Barangay Malibas, Palanas, Masbate.
Authorities said the three are members of the CTG under Komiteng Larangang Gerilya 1 South and Sub-Regional Committee 4 of the Bicol Regional Party Committee, under the command of “Ka Manong,” operating in Masbate province.
Police said the suspects are listed as regional and provincial most wanted persons, respectively, and are also included in the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ Periodic Status Report.
On May 12, tracker teams arrested “Abe” in Barangay San Isidro, Cataingan, Masbate. He was identified as the No. 8 provincial most wanted person of the Masbate Provincial Police Office.
The following day, May 13, joint units arrested “Rex” in Barangay Libtong, Cataingan, Masbate. Police said he was the No. 3 most wanted person of the Police Regional Office 5.
On May 14, authorities arrested “Noy” in Barangay Nabangig, Palanas, Masbate. He was tagged as the No. 4 regional most wanted person of the Police Regional Office 5.
According to the CIDG, the case stemmed from the July 9, 2010, killing of a 27-year-old male public school teacher in Barangay Malibas, Palanas, Masbate. Police said the accused, together with two others, allegedly acted in conspiracy and used firearms to shoot the victim while he was on his way home.
CIDG leadership commended Col. Oscar R. Regala Jr., regional chief of CIDG Regional Field Unit 5; the CIDG Masbate Provincial Field Unit led by Lt. Col. Edgar Butch A. Moraleda; and the joint PNP and AFP operating units for what it described as an intelligence-driven operation that led to the capture of the three fugitives.
The CIDG said the operation underscored its commitment to account for and arrest fugitives and most wanted persons “wherever they hide” to help victims attain justice.
“The arrest of the three CTG member-accused is a government’s win against terrorism,” the CIDG said.
The CIDG also assured the public that it remains unrelenting in tracking and pursuing criminals, wanted persons, and fugitives “without fear or favor” across the country, while sustaining its campaign against terrorism and threats to national peace and security.