PNP-CIDG arrests 3 notorious 'Opaw Crime Group' members

The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Tuesday reported it has arrested three members of the notorious “Opaw Crime Group,” a gun-for-hire syndicate active in Lanao del Sur and Maguindanao del Norte.

PNP spokesperson P/BGen. Randulf Tuaño said the operations, conducted by the PNP–Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (PNP-CIDG), took place separately on 31 October, 1 November,  and 3 November 2025. 

The arrests occurred in Parang, Maguindanao del Norte; Pigcawayan, North Cotabato; and Davao International Airport in Davao City.

The suspects were apprehended under Warrants of Arrest for Murder and Double Attempted Murder issued by the Cotabato City Court on June 25, 2025. Authorities confirmed that the individuals are also affiliated with the Ontong Criminal Group, linked to multiple violent incidents in Mindanao.

The operations were carried out by the PNP-CIDG Cotabato City Field Unit in coordination with the CIDG Regional Field Unit–BARMM, PNP Special Action Force, Intelligence Group, territorial police units, and the Aviation Security Group 11.

The PNP headquarters acknowledged the arrests as the result of coordinated intelligence-driven operations. It added that the operations are part of ongoing efforts to dismantle organized criminal groups and enforce outstanding arrest warrants in Mindanao.