(Photo courtesy of PNP)
MAGUINDANAO DEL SUR — Police have arrested a high-profile fugitive allegedly involved in the rocket-propelled grenade (RPG) attack against Shariff Aguak Mayor Akmad “Mitra” Ampatuan Sr. earlier this year, the Philippine National Police (PNP) announced Monday, October 26.
PNP Chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. identified the suspect as Toraipe Lusod, also known as “Aripi Adam,” who was allegedly involved in the January 25 assassination attempt against the mayor.
Lusod was apprehended at around 2:45 p.m. on Saturday, October 24, in Barangay Meta, Datu Unsay, Maguindanao del Sur, during a joint operation involving the Shariff Aguak Municipal Police Station, PNP Special Action Force, and other police and intelligence units.
Authorities identified Lusod as the No. 1 most wanted person in Maguindanao del Sur and the No. 8 most wanted person in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).
Police said the suspect was arrested through warrants issued for terrorism, frustrated murder, and illegal possession of firearms and ammunition.
An M4 rifle and live ammunition were also recovered during the operation.
Nartatez said the arrest represented progress in the investigation but emphasized that authorities would continue pursuing other suspects and individuals believed to have planned the attack.
“The arrest marks an important step toward justice, but our work does not end with one suspect in custody. We will pursue every lead to identify all those involved, including the alleged masterminds, and ensure that they are held accountable under the law,” Nartatez said.
The PNP chief said the operation reflected the police force’s commitment to strengthening public safety and ensuring accountability for violent crimes, in line with the directives of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla.
Lusod is the second person taken into government custody in connection with the alleged assassination attempt.
In March, another suspect, believed to have served as a lookout during the attack, surrendered to the National Bureau of Investigation.
Police said investigations and operations would continue to identify and apprehend the remaining individuals allegedly involved in the attack against Ampatuan.
