Two alleged communist insurgents listed among Caraga’s most wanted persons were arrested in separate police operations in Surigao del Sur and Agusan del Sur on August 10. Both face murder and other criminal charges. Photo courtesy of PNP.
Police arrested two alleged communist insurgents wanted for murder and other serious offenses in separate operations in Surigao del Sur and Agusan del Sur on August 10.
In Lianga, Surigao del Sur, authorities apprehended a man identified by the alias “Niel,” whom police tagged as a squad leader of a communist armed group and the No. 3 regional most wanted person in Caraga for the third quarter of 2026.
Police said Niel faced three counts of murder, two counts of frustrated murder and one count of attempted murder based on warrants issued by a Lianga court in February 2021.
The operation was carried out by the Barobo Municipal Police Station with support from the Special Action Force. Niel was placed under police custody for documentation and further legal proceedings.
In Esperanza, Agusan del Sur, authorities separately arrested a man using the alias “Janly,” who was listed as the No. 6 regional most wanted person and was identified by police as a former commander of an insurgent unit.
Janly faced warrants for murder, multiple attempted murder, multiple frustrated murder, frustrated murder and attempted murder issued by a regional trial court in Bayugan City.
PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez said those facing serious criminal charges should answer before the courts, adding that police operations would continue while observing lawful procedures and due process.
The PNP said the arrests formed part of continuing operations against wanted persons and armed insurgents as authorities sought to enforce pending court warrants across the region.