By Christopher Lloyd Caliwan | Philippine News Agency
A coordinated police operation backed by intelligence efforts resulted in the arrest of a top wanted suspect in the rocket-propelled grenade (RPG) attack on Shariff Aguak, Maguindanao del Sur Mayor Akmad “Mitra” Ampatuan Sr. earlier this year, the Philippine National Police (PNP) said on Monday.
PNP Chief PGen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said the organization will pursue all leads to identify and arrest the remaining suspects and alleged masterminds behind the attempted assassination following the arrest of Toraipe Lusod, alias “Aripi Adam,” who was identified by authorities as one of the suspects in the Jan. 25 RPG attack that targeted Ampatuan.
“The arrest marks an important step toward justice, but our work does not end with one suspect in custody. We will pursue every lead to identify all those involved, including the alleged masterminds, and ensure that they are held accountable under the law,” PGen. Nartatez said in a statement.
Lusod was arrested at 2:45 p.m. Saturday in Barangay Meta, Datu Unsay, Maguindanao del Sur during a joint operation by the Shariff Aguak Municipal Police Station, PNP Special Action Force and other police and intelligence units.
He was listed as the No. 1 most wanted person in the province and the No. 8 most wanted person in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).
PGen. Nartatez said the arrest showed the determination of law enforcement authorities to ensure accountability in violent attacks in line with the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., through the guidance of Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla, to strengthen peace, public safety and the rule of law.
Police said Lusod was arrested on the strength of warrants for terrorism, frustrated murder and illegal possession of firearms and ammunition. Police also recovered an M4 rifle and live ammunition from the suspect during the operation.
The suspect is the second person now under government custody in connection with the alleged assassination attempt after a purported lookout surrendered to the National Bureau of Investigation in March.
