A former police officer allegedly responsible for the killing of a policeman in 2024 was arrested in Cotabato City on Monday, June 9, 2025.

Personnel of the 1st Marine Brigade, Anti-Kidnapping Group-Mindanao Field Unit (AKG-MFU), and other law enforcement units arrested the suspect identified as alias “Patac” by virtue of several warrants, including warrants for murder and carnapping.

The 1st Marine Brigade said the suspect was a former policeman assigned at the Police Regional Office-Bangsamoro Autonomous Region (PRO-BAR) and had long been under surveillance due to his alleged involvement in criminal activities.

Authorities said the suspect was the alleged principal suspect in the killing of Police Senior Master Sergeant John Manuel Bongcawil on December 1, 2024, in Cotabato City.

The suspect was also allegedly involved in illegal firearms trade, carnapping, and smuggling in the cities of Koronadal, Pagadian, and Cotabato, based on intelligence reports.

The 1st Marine Brigade added that after the suspect was dismissed from service on March 23, 2023, for absent without official leave (AWOL), he allegedly established a group that allegedly engaged in organized criminal operations, including murder-for-hire, vehicle theft, and illegal cigarette trade.

1st Marine Brigade Commander, Brigadier General Romulo Quemado II, lauded the operation, describing it as a “major tactical success and a critical blow against criminal influence in Central Mindanao.”

“The Armed Forces of the Philippines, in partnership with law enforcement agencies, remain committed to ensuring the rule of law and neutralizing individuals who threaten peace and order,” he said.