Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief, P/Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez, Jr. reported Saturday that authorities scored a major victory in the campaign against wanted fugitives linked to terrorism following an operation in Lambayong, Sultan Kudarat on Friday morning, 21 August.

The arrested suspect, Joher Sapalon (also known as "Tarzan"), is on the national level most wanted list for his involvement in a bombing at the Isulan Integrated Public Terminal in Sultan Kudarat on 17 April, 2023. The blast injured three minors and at least four other people. The incident led to charges and the subsequent issuance of an arrest warrant by Hon. Alberto Pantonial Quinto, Presiding Judge of Regional Trial Court, 10th Judicial Region, Branch 1, Iligan City, Lanao del Norte on June 14, 2023, for violations of Republic Act No. 11479 (Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020).

“The operation against wanted persons is not only about justice and the rule of law, it is also about giving the Filipino people the assurance that our justice system works and those who would violate the law will be held accountable,” Nartatez said.

Sapalon is listed among the National Most Wanted Persons covered by DILG Memorandum Circulars dated 31 July 2026, carrying a monetary reward of ₱145,000.00.

During the operation in Barangay Udtong, Lambayong, Sultan Kudarat, Sapalon attempted to shoot it out with the arresting teams led by personnel from the Intelligence Group. His effort to escape by engaging police officers was thwarted after he was shot in the leg and apprehended.

Nartatez lauded his men for exercising restraint and observing police operational procedures while dealing with Sapalon, in line with instructions from President Ferdinand “Bongbong” R. Marcos, Jr. and DILG Secretary Jonvic Remulla.

Aside from terrorism-related cases, Sapalon faces two counts of murder—one for the death of a 60-year-old barangay security officer on 17 July 2021, and another for the killing of a barangay tanod on 7 April 2021, both in Lambayong, Sultan Kudarat.

Nartatez stated that Sapalon was taken to a hospital in Sultan Kudarat for treatment and will be presented to the courts that issued his arrest warrants. Seized from the suspect were a 9mm pistol with a magazine loaded with three live rounds, alongside three fired cartridge casings.

Nartatez emphasized that the operation demonstrates the PNP's commitment to maintaining peace, ensuring the rule of law, and sending a strong message to criminal elements through an aggressive law enforcement campaign.