Authorities arrested a national-level Most Wanted Person (MWP) during a manhunt operation in Malalanse, Barangay General Lim, Orion, Bataan on 11 December 2025.

The Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) said the suspect was apprehended by operatives of the CIDG Olongapo City Field Unit, in coordination with the Special Operating Team of CIDG Regional Field Unit 3 and territorial police units, by virtue of a warrant of arrest for murder issued by a Balanga City court on 1 June 2022.

Records showed that the suspect and the male victim were involved in a drinking session that escalated into a heated argument, during which the accused allegedly attacked and hacked the victim with a bolo, resulting in the latter’s immediate death in Balanga City on 5 May 2021.

The arrested suspect was identified as Gerald, 35, who is listed as a National Level Most Wanted Person with a P135,000 reward under Department of the Interior and Local Government Memorandum Circular 2025-078.

A report submitted to CIDG Acting Director Police Major General Robert Aa Morico II stated that during the implementation of the arrest warrant, the fugitive allegedly fired shots at the arresting officers, prompting them to return fire to repel the attack and defend themselves.

The report added that the suspect was hit in his left arm and left knee and was immediately rushed to the nearest hospital for medical treatment. A caliber .45 pistol was confiscated from him.

The CIDG leadership commended Police Colonel Grant A. Gollod, regional chief of CIDG Regional Field Unit 3, and the CIDG Olongapo City Field Unit led by Police Captain Jan Wayne K. Pawingi for their sustained efforts in tracking down the fugitive.

The CIDG said the operation underscores its commitment to locating and arresting all wanted persons, adding that the arrest brings the victim’s family closer to justice.