Man linked to Mamasapano massacre, 56 murder raps arrested

A pedicab driver wanted for 56 counts of murder and allegedly linked to the Mamasapano massacre was arrested in Barangay Apopong, General Santos City over the weekend.

The suspect, 45, was arrested at his house past midday on Saturday, April 25, 2026.

Police said the suspect was in the list of most wanted persons in the country with a reward of P250,000 for his arrest.

The suspect is facing up to 56 counts of murder with no bail recommended. He is also facing another murder case filed before a court in Quezon City in 2010.

“Naa na mana’y warrant gikan sa headquarters sa kauluhang NCR unya 56 counts of murder and at the same time involved gyud na sa Mamasapano massacre,” General Santos City Police Office Director, Col. Nicomedes Olaivar Jr., said.

The suspect denied all allegations and claimed that he is a victim of mistaken identity.

“Dili na tinuod, kumbaga mistaken identity lang na…sa tinuod lang dugay nako sa Gensan dili nako nagdako , diri nako nag eskwela, 45 years na ko sa Gensan,” the suspect said.

The suspect added that the middle name and age of the person wanted does not match his.

“Nagkataon lang ana kanang tao nga 56 counts nga pareha mi og pangalan  pareha mi apelyido  ang picture, ang ano lang ana kay ang iyang middle name niya, ug edad iba,” the suspect added.

However, police dismissed the suspect’s claim, saying that the denial is part of a suspect’s disguise.

“Ing-ana ma gyud na. Part na pud na sa iyang disguise,” Olaivar said.

Police have yet to disclosed when the suspect will be transferred to Manila.

Authorities are also reviewing the release of the reward money for the informant who helped identify the suspect.  —Efren Yunting Mamac, GMA Regional TV News