Coordinated action leads to the arrest of Surigao Sur’s No. 5 most wanted
By Nida Grace P. Barcena
BAROBO, Surigao del Sur (PIA) -- Demonstrating the effectiveness of the national government’s Whole-of-Nation Approach to peace and security, law enforcement agencies arrested alias ‘Toto,’ one of Surigao del Sur’s no. 5 most wanted individuals, in Barangay Ampayon, Butuan City, Agusan del Norte on April 11.
It was reported that the arrest, carried out at around 5:30 PM, was led by the Barobo Municipal Police Station under the leadership of Police Major Nurlsan T. Muhadalam, Acting Chief of Police. The success of the operation was made possible through the seamless coordination and unified efforts of various intelligence and security agencies.
Working in concert were the Regional Intelligence Unit 13 (RIU13), Provincial Intelligence Team–Agusan del Sur (PIT-ADS), Eastern Mindanao Element (EME), 300th Air Intelligence and Security Wing (AISW), Tactical Operations Group 10 (TOG-10), and the Naval Intelligence and Security Group–Eastern Mindanao (NISG-EM). Their strategic collaboration and shared intelligence exemplify the strength of inter-agency synergy in addressing high-level threats and securing justice at the provincial level.
Alias “Toto,” 49, a resident of Barangay. Ampayon, Butuan City, and believed to be a former member of the notorious Ondo Perez Criminal Gang, known for robbery and kidnap-for-ransom activities was arrested by virtue of three Alias Warrants of Arrest for two counts of Kidnapping for Ransom and one count of Carnapping, under Criminal Case Nos. L-2494, L-2495, and L-2496. These warrants were issued by the Regional Trial Court Branch 28 in Lianga, Surigao del Sur, with no bail recommended, reflecting the severity of the charges.
According to Muhadalam, the arrest was a result of effective intelligence sharing and inter-agency coordination, aligned with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to strengthen law enforcement and justice systems through the Whole-of-Nation framework.
“This successful operation is a result of joint intelligence and collaboration. It strengthens our commitment to uphold justice, ensure peace, and protect the communities we serve,” he said.
The operation also reinforced the objectives of the Enhanced Managing Police Operations (EMPO) strategy, which seeks to enhance the operational capability of police stations through shared intelligence, inter-agency collaboration, and increased community engagement.
Upon arrest, the suspect was informed of his rights in accordance with the Miranda Doctrine and Anti-Torture Act, in a language he understood. The arrest process was also documented through video with his consent. He is currently in the custody of Barobo Municipal Police Station for proper documentation and legal disposition.
This breakthrough not only brought a sense of justice to the people of Surigao del Sur but also showcased how a unified security strategy, backed by trust and teamwork across national and local levels, could make significant strides in ensuring public safety.
As the national government continues to roll out its peace and order agenda, this success story from Surigao del Sur echoed a resounding message: No criminal is beyond the reach of justice when the nation stands united. (NGPB, PIA Surigao del Sur)