Authorities arrested an American national in a tightly coordinated security operation in a remote village in Abra de Ilog, Occidental Mindoro just days before Christmas, dealing a significant blow to criminality and armed groups in the region.

The suspect was apprehended on 23 December at Sitio Pamikalan, Barangay San Vicente, during the implementation of a search warrant for violation of Republic Act 10591, or the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act.

The operation was carried out by a formidable joint force composed of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) Regional Field Unit 4A, CIDG Batangas and Laguna Provincial Field Units, the CIDG Detection and Special Operations Unit (DSOU), the PNP Special Action Force, National Intelligence Coordinating Agency, Police Regional Office 4B, the Philippine Army and the Philippine Coast Guard.

Police identified the suspect as “Ramon,” 57, a United States citizen and resident of Barangay San Vicente, Abra de Ilog. He was arrested while in possession of two unlicensed firearms — a caliber .45 pistol and a caliber .22 rifle — along with assorted magazines, a large volume of ammunition, and 11 handheld radios.

According to a report submitted to CIDG Acting Director Police Major General Robert Aa Morico II, the seized firearms and equipment were the subjects of the search warrant and were found under the suspect’s direct control.

Authorities further revealed that the arrested American had twice run for mayor in Abra de Ilog, losing both the 2022 and 2025 elections. He is also alleged to be a leader of the National Democratic Front (NDF) in the MIMAROPA region and a keeper of unlicensed firearms purportedly intended for use by the Communist Terrorist Group (CTG).

More significantly, the suspect is a co-accused of the late Gregorio Rosal in a murder case, along with four counts of frustrated murder. Warrants of arrest for these cases — issued by the Regional Trial Court in Mamburao, Occidental Mindoro on 21 April 2006 — carry a recommendation of no bail.

CIDG leadership commended the officers and units involved in what they described as a highly intelligence-driven operation. Among those recognized were PLTCOL Ganaban C. Ali of CIDG RFU 4A; PLTCOL Gene M. Licud of CIDG DSOU; PMAJ Deni Mari O. Pedrozo of CIDG Batangas; PMAJ Ivan S. Soriano of CIDG Laguna; as well as their counterparts from the PNP Special Action Force, NICA, the Philippine Army and PRO-4B.

Police said the arrest and seizure of unlicensed firearms — described as “the very instruments of killing and violence” — likely prevented future crimes and further armed activities.

Authorities hailed the successful operation as a major win for the government’s continuing campaign against criminality and terrorism, underscoring the importance of inter-agency cooperation in maintaining peace and security in the countryside.