In line with the directive from National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) Director Judge Jaime Santiago (Ret.) to intensify the campaign against local terrorist groups, the NBI-Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (NBI-BARMM) has arrested a suspected terrorist in Cotabato City.
Subject Lutre Aman was arrested by virtue of a warrant of arrest for murder and multiple frustrated murder issued by the Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 23, Kidapawan City, and for destructive arson under Section 2 (4) in relation to Section 5 of Presidential Decree 1613, issued by RTC Branch 16, Kabacan, Cotabato.
Santiago said the operation stemmed from information received by the NBI-BARMM that a certain Lutre Aman, a known member of Daulah Islamiyah – Hassan Group — a local terrorist group involved in a series of bombings in Maguindanao and nearby provinces — was roaming around Cotabato City.
Aman, a known bomb expert, was responsible for the bombing of a bus in January 2021 in Tulunan, North Cotabato, which resulted in the death of a fruit vendor and injuries to several others. Additionally, he was behind the burning of another bus in June 2021 in Miang, Cotabato.
Verification made with the Regional Trial Courts in Cotabato confirmed that Aman had standing warrants of arrest. Through a confidential informant, NBI-BARMM agents were able to locate Aman in Peñafrancia Village, Rosary Heights 11, Cotabato City.
On 19 June 2025, agents of the NBI-BARMM proceeded to the location, where Aman was spotted at the parking area of an establishment. The agents implemented the warrants, resulting in his arrest.
Santiago commended the agents of NBI-BARMM for the successful operation leading to the arrest of the terrorist group member.