Rizal, Cagayan – An elderly man wanted for the killing of a barangay official in Rizal, Cagayan in 2018 was finally arrested by authorities during a manhunt operation in Tuguegarao City in early December.
The arrest ended the seven years that the suspect, identified as alias “Simeon,” 62, had been evading authorities to avoid facing the charges against him.
Simeon was listed as the Number 6 Regional Most Wanted Person in Region 2 and is known as a member of the “Labang Crime Group,” which operates in the 3rd District of Cagayan Valley and parts of Kalinga.
The group is wanted for serious offenses such as gun-for-hire activities, robbery/hold-up, house break-ins (akyat-bahay), extortion, carnapping, and other criminal operations.
In its report on Monday, December 8, 2025, the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) said Simeon and four companions ambushed Barangay Kagawad Alfred Alvarez of Rizal, Cagayan on July 29, 2018. One of the suspects was arrested shortly after the incident, while Simeon and the others fled and went into hiding.
Based on police reports, Alvarez was driving his car in Barangay San Gabriel, Tuguegarao City when he was shot by the gunmen, causing his instant death.
Police suspected the killing was politically motivated, as Simeon and the others reportedly worked for then Rizal Vice-Mayor Joel Ruma. Murder charges were filed against Ruma, who was accused of masterminding the killing of Kagawad Alvarez.
To recall, Ruma later became mayor of the town and was shot dead during a campaign rally in Barangay Illuru Sur, Rizal on April 23, 2025.
Police indicated that one of the gunmen, Jessie Labang, was arrested in 2018 by the Solana Police, but he denied participating in the ambush. After seven years, Simeon—who was said to have killed Labang for a monetary reward—was finally apprehended during a manhunt operation in Buntun, Tuguegarao City, on December 2.
As of this writing, the other assailants remain at large.
Simeon is now under police custody and will face the murder charges filed against him.
In a statement, CIDG Director PMGEN Robert Alexander Morico II commended the successful arrest of Simeon, saying that justice has finally been served for the family of Alvarez. He also assured the public that manhunt operations across the country will continue, especially against individuals involved in violent crimes and organized criminal groups.
“I commend the CIDG Regional Field Unit led by its Regional Chief, PCOL Damian D. Olsim, and the joint operating units for this intelligence-driven manhunt operation that led to the capture of this dangerous fugitive who is allegedly a member of a gun-for-hire group who caused the death of the government official. With this arrest, we have helped the victim and family attain the justice they deserve. Maraming salamat sa inyo,” Morico II said.
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