The Philippine National Police (PNP) arrested a former Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) member who was connected to the 2015 Mamasapano clash involving the Special Action Force (SAF) 44 and the March 28, 2026 ambush of PNP personnel in Shariff Aguak, Maguindanao del Sur.

According to the PNP, the suspect was captured during a joint operation in Barangay Tukanalipao in the town of Mamasapano, Maguindanao del Sur, on July 21, 2026.

The suspect is considered the No. 2 Most Wanted Person in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) and the No. 1 Most Wanted Person in Maguindanao del Sur.

He was arrested by virtue of multiple warrants of arrest for multiple counts of murder, frustrated murder, attempted murder, robbery, and double murder with multiple counts of frustrated murder, one of which carries a no-bail recommendation.

Police records further indicate that the accused received explosives training from alias “Marwan” and another senior extremist operative. He was also identified as a senior member and adviser of the Panenekelan Criminal Gang, with reported links to the Dawlah Islamiyah-Hassan Group, and had claimed membership in the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) 128 Base Command.

The operation was jointly conducted by personnel of the Maguindanao del Sur Police Provincial Office, the Regional Intelligence Division of PRO BAR, the Mamasapano Municipal Police Station, the 34th Infantry Battalion of the Philippine Army, and the 44th Special Action Company of the PNP Special Action Force.

The accused was brought to the Maguindanao Provincial Hospital for a medical examination before being placed under the custody of the Mamasapano Municipal Police Station pending turnover to the issuing court.

PNP Chief Police General Jose Melencio Nartatez commended the operating teams for the successful operation, emphasizing that the arrest underscores the PNP’s commitment to ensuring that fugitives accused of grave offenses are brought before the courts.

“The arrest of one of the region’s most wanted fugitives demonstrates the Philippine National Police’s unwavering resolve to pursue individuals facing serious criminal charges and ensure they are brought before the courts to answer for their actions,” Nartatez added.