The Criminal Investigation and Detection Group revealed on Sunday that the most wanted person in Region 12 was arrested in a series of arrest warrant operations.

CIDG director Maj. Gen. Romeo Caramat Jr. said that the suspect — identified as Ernesto Dumon Salas alias Estong/Erning/Jem, tagged as the Top 1 Most Wanted Person of Region 12 — was apprehended through the serving of several arrest warrants by the operatives of CIDG together with other PNP operating units during a manhunt operation in Malabon City last 8 January 2024.

Salas previously managed to evade arrest and hide from the authorities for several years after committing multiple charges such as murder, double murder and attempted murder.

“The arrest of Salas is the result of an intelligence-driven operation through the collaborative efforts of our Philippine National Police units,” Caramat said.

He added that the suspect is the leader of the “Salas Criminal Group” allegedly involved in illegal drug trade and guns for hire in Ozamis City, General Santos City and the National Capital Region.

“We believe that he is also a member of the Faisal Criminal Group which operated in General Santos City years ago,” Caramat said.

During the operation, the suspect tried to escape through a window which concurrently injured him, leaving a lacerated wound on the head. He was taken to Quirino Memorial Medical Center in Quezon City for immediate medical attention.

“I commend our operatives on their continuous commitment in ensuring peace and order in the country following the call of the PNP chief Police General Benjamin Acorda Jr. for aggressive police operations against criminality,” Caramat said.