The Philippine National Police (PNP) has arrested a high-value fugitive linked to the deadly ambush of police officers in Maguindanao del Sur during a coordinated law enforcement operation at the General Santos City International Airport in Barangay Tambler, General Santos City on June 6, 2026.
The operation, led by the Maguindanao del Sur Police Provincial Office, resulted in the arrest of a suspect known by the aliases “Nexon” and “Nelson.” He was identified as the No. 1 Most Wanted Person at the provincial level and the No. 9 Most Wanted Person at the regional level.
Authorities said the suspect was intercepted while undergoing airport security screening through the joint efforts of intelligence, operational, aviation security, and military units. He was also reported to have links with the DI-Hassan Group.
The arrest was carried out by virtue of a warrant issued by the Regional Trial Court Branch 15, 12th Judicial Region, Shariff Aguak, Maguindanao del Sur, dated May 18, 2026. The warrant covers multiple counts of murder under Article 248 of the Revised Penal Code, frustrated murder under Article 248, and robbery with violence or intimidation of persons under Article 294.
Based on the investigation, the suspect was allegedly involved in the March 28, 2026 ambush of PNP personnel in Shariff Aguak, Maguindanao del Sur, which left five police officers dead and three others wounded.
The operation was conducted by the Maguindanao del Sur PPO, Provincial Intelligence Unit, 85th Special Action Company of the Rapid Deployment Battalion, Special Action Force, Aviation Security Unit 12, Criminal Investigation and Detection Group, Regional Intelligence Unit 15, 1201st Regional Mobile Force Battalion of PRO 12, General Santos International Airport Police Station, Shariff Aguak Municipal Police Station, Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines-Security and Intelligence Service, 601st Brigade of the Philippine Army, and other law enforcement agencies.
PNP Chief Police General Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr. said the arrest demonstrates the organization’s continuing commitment to accountability, justice, and public safety.
“Patuloy po ang ating operasyon laban sa mga wanted persons na sangkot sa mabibigat na krimen. We will not stop until justice is served. Ang PNP ay mananatiling tapat sa mandato nito para sa kapayapaan at seguridad ng ating bansa,” Nartatez said.
He also commended the coordination among PNP units, the military, aviation authorities, and other partner agencies that led to the successful interception of the fugitive.
The PNP said the operation highlights the sustained implementation of its Focused Agenda under Enhanced Managing Police Operations, particularly in strengthening intelligence-driven coordination for the immediate arrest of wanted persons.
The arrest also aligns with the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to sustain intensified law enforcement operations that uphold peace and public safety nationwide.
The suspect is now in police custody pending proper legal turnover to the competent court.
The PNP reaffirmed its commitment to pursue aggressive but lawful operations against wanted persons nationwide under its continuing transformation agenda, “Bagong PNP para sa Bagong Pilipinas: Serbisyong Mabilis, Tapat at Nararamdaman.”