Caraga: The Police Regional Office in Caraga (PRO-13) said law enforcers arrested 90 most wanted persons (MWPs) and 391 other wanted individuals during manhunt operations from January to February.

According to Philippines News Agency, Maj. Jennifer Omiter, PRO-13 information chief, stated in an interview that the 90 MWPs included 25 at the regional level, 35 at the provincial level, and 30 at the city and municipal levels. Among the apprehended was alias 'Ariel,' a squad leader of the New People's Army's (NPA) Sub-Regional Committee Southland, North Eastern Mindanao Regional Committee. Ariel, considered the top regional-level MWP, was arrested on January 9, and is wanted for two counts of murder, two counts of frustrated murder, and three counts of attempted murder.

PRO-13 Director Brig. Gen. Christopher Abrahano mentioned in a statement that Ariel was among the NPA rebels who attacked military troops in Palo 8, Barangay San Juan, Bayugan City, Agusan del Sur. The Surigao del Norte Police Provincial Office (PPO) led the arrests with 128, followed by Surigao del Sur PPO with 109, Butuan City Police Office with 102, Agusan del Norte PPO with 77, Agusan del Sur PPO with 61, and Dinagat Islands PPO with 4.

Abrahano credited the successful operations to effective collaboration among police, law enforcement agencies, and the public. He emphasized that this accomplishment highlights the collective efforts to ensure peace and order in the region.