11 years of manhunt: Suspect in SAF 44 massacre, resulting in death of 14 Cordilleran troopers, arrested

TABUK CITY, Kalinga — A suspect in the 2015 Mamasapano clash that claimed the lives of 44 Philippine National Police-Special Action Force (PNP-SAF) troopers, including 14 police officers from the Cordillera, has been arrested after more than a decade on the run.

The suspect, identified by authorities only as alias "Muslimin," was arrested on July 22, 2026, during a joint counterterrorism operation in Barangay Duguengen, Shariff Saydona Mustapha, Maguindanao del Sur.

According to the Philippine National Police, Muslimin is the No. 1 most wanted person in Maguindanao del Sur and a senior member and adviser of the Panenekelan Criminal Gang, which authorities said is involved in extortion, robbery, and other violent crimes in the province.

Police also said the group has links to the Dawlah Islamiyah-Hassan Group, an ISIS-aligned network blamed for bombings and attacks against government forces in Mindanao.

Authorities identified Muslimin as one of the suspects in the Mamasapano incident on January 25, 2015, one of the deadliest operations in the history of the Philippine National Police.

Among the 44 slain SAF troopers were 14 police officers from the Cordillera: PSI Gednat Tabdi, PSI Cyrus Anniban, PO1 Gringo Cayang-o, PO1 Angel Kodiamat, PO2 Peterson Carap, PO2 Jerry Kayob, PO2 Nobel Kiangan, PO3 Noel Golocan, PO2 Walner Danao, PO3 Robert Allaga, PO2 Franklin Danao, PO2 Nicky De Castro Nacino Jr., PO2 Joel Dulnuan, and PO1 Russel Bilog.

Aside from the Mamasapano case, authorities also linked the suspect to the ambush of a police officer in Shariff Aguak, Maguindanao del Sur, on March 28, 2026, among other criminal offenses.

Following his arrest, operatives recovered four 5.56-caliber rifles, one 7.62-caliber M14 rifle, three improvised explosive devices (IEDs), and one black Suzuki minivan.

The suspect is now under police custody and is expected to face the charges filed against him.

Following the successful operation, the Philippine National Police-Special Action Force said the arrest reflects its continuing commitment to pursuing those allegedly responsible for the deaths of the SAF 44.

"The successful operation underscores the commitment of SAF to intensify intelligence-driven counterterrorism operations, dismantle terrorist networks, and apprehend individuals who pose serious threats to public safety. The arrest of this MWP fulfills our utmost commitment to the loved ones of SAF 44 in bringing justice and accountability for their loss," the SAF said.