A former barangay councilman in Sarangani tagged as mastermind in the killing of two men in 2024 was arrested.

The Criminal Investigation and Detection Group-Sarangani Provincial Field Unit said the suspect was arrested after allegedly selling a firearm.

CIDG said the two victims whose skeletal remains were dug out at a vacant lot in Alabel, Sarangani on December 25, 2024, may have been victims of summary execution.

In a video footage obtained by authorities, the two victims are seen sitting inside a hut in Barangay Baluntay. Shortly after, a man wearing a yellow shirt is seen entering the hut and shooting one of the men. However, the victim in the blue jacket, despite being shot, manages to push the gunman outside the hut.

Moments later, another man wearing black jacket lying on the floor and bleeding is heard pleading for his life. But another gunman wearing gray shirt shoots him and the other victim in blue jacket to death.

According to reports, the victims and the suspects belonged to the same group and the video was taken by a member of the group, a copy of which was given to the family of one of the victims.

The victims were buried just 20 meters away from the hut.

CIDG-Sarangani said the gunman in the yellow shirt identified as alias “Saiden” is believed to have been killed in an operation in Maguindanao.

Meanwhile, the suspect in the gray shirt was identified as the former barangay councilor and leader of the group.

“Itong suspek na si alyas ‘kagawad’ na kanilang di umano’y leader, ito po yung pumatay doon sa dalawang biktima na nahukay natin noong December na kung saan ay kapwa nila Muslim…Bale doon sa pag iimbestiga natin nagkaroon naman tayo ng pagkakataon dahil nagtutulungan yung mga pamilya ng isa sa mga biktima. At meron nagbigay sa kanilang video na kung saan ay naglalaman ng kung paano patayin nung leader yung mga mga kasamahan niya yung dalawang nakuhay na mga biktima,” CIDG-Sarangani Chief, Major Jun Fortunato, said.

Police said the group was allegedly involved in several crimes before.

“Pagkatapos niyang maging brgy. kagawad, ay tuloy sila sa iligal na gawain at saka yun na land grabbing, illegal drugs, gun running, robbery,” Fortunato added.

The suspect arrested is now detained at the CIDG custodial facility and may face charges for murder and violation of the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act (RA 10591).