A man linked to the March 28, 2026 ambush of police personnel in Shariff Aguak, Maguindanao del Sur and the 2015 Mamasapano massacre was arrested in Barangay Tukanalipao, Mamasapano on Tuesday, July 21, 2026.

According to the Maguindanao del Sur Police Provincial Office (MDSPPO), the suspect was identified as a former Bangsamoro Islamic Fredom Fighter (BIFF) bomber, senior adviser of the Penenekelan criminal gang, and was linked to the Dawlah Islamiyah-Hassan Group (DI-HG).

Authorities said the suspect also allegedly claimed to be affiliated with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) 128 Base Command.

MDSPPO said the suspect was arrested by virtue of warrants for numerous criminal cases, including murder, frustrated murder, robbery, attempted murder, and double murder with frustrated murder issued by various courts.

No bail was recommended.

Police said the man has been implicated in multiple high-profile incidents, including the ambush of police personnel on March 28, 2026 in Shariff Aguak and Mamasapano incident.

The suspect was brought to a hospital for medical examination and is now under police custody.

“Criminals must be brought to justice at all cost. No one is above the law. Peace and order is non negotiable, and the rule of law is absolute — protecting the oppressed and holding accountable those who sow violence,” MDSPPO Director, Col. Michael John Mangahis, said.

“To those who defy the law, let this stand as a warning: justice will hunt you down, accountability will find you, and the guardians of peace will never falter. There is no refuge for lawlessness — the law will prevail, always,” Mangahis added.