A policeman who went absent without official leave (AWOL) was arrested for his alleged involvement in illegal drug activities in Cagayan de Oro City.

The suspect identified as Police Staff Sergeant Arman Tagolimot was assigned previously in one of the towns in Misamis Oriental before he went AWOL.

Members of the Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) of the Cagayan de Oro City Police Office (COCPO) arrested the suspect by virtue of a warrant.

“Under 10TH Judicial Branch in relation to section 11 sa RA 9165 kani siya nag-AWOL na nga pulis ug mao lagi naa siyay existing nga warrant ug tungod nianing gihimo nato nga manhunt Charlie pag-imlement sa mga warrant of arrest nadakpan aning adlawa ang giingong si alyas Artags,” COCPO Spokesperson, Capt. Emilita Simon, said.

Seized from the suspect’s house were a caliber .45 pistol, a caliber .38 revolver, a caliber .22 pistol, and ammunition.

COCPO added that the suspect was also allegedly involved in the killing of Cogon Police Station commander, Capt. Abdulcahar Armama, in 2024.

Armama was shot dead approximately 100 meters from his house in Barangay Bulua past 9 p.m. on Saturday, October 5, 2024.

Investigation disclosed that Armama sustained a gunshot wound on the right side of his head. He did not reach the hospital alive.

The case has already been filed and an arrest warrant is set to be issued against the accused.

“Sa ginaingon na nga na-receive naman gyud kani ug nabutangan na og IS number sa atong office sa piskalya. So pasabot sakto nga ebidensya gyud ang nagtudlo sa person nga mi-pin down sa atong kaubang pulis pud nga si P/Capt. Armama,” Simon added.

GMA Regional TV One Mindanao is reaching out to the suspect for a comment, as of this writing. However, he denied the allegations earlier.

The suspect is facing charges for murder, illegal possession of firearms and ammunition (RA 10591) and violation of the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act (RA 9165).

“Gihugtan gyud ang seguridad ug gihugtan gyud aron malikayan nato ang paglayas sa atong dinakpan nga suspetsado,” Simon said.