TWO suspects in the killing of Enrile Barangay Captain nabbed after 10 months on the run

Cagayan, Philippines – Two young adults responsible for the killing of a punong barangay in Enrile in 2025 were captured after hiding from authorities for almost a year.

Authorities tracked down the suspects, identified by Police Regional Office 2 as alias “Mavie,” 30, and alias “Arnie,” 25, in San Marcos on March 4, 2026. The two were arrested by virtue of a warrant issued by a court in September 2025 for murder.

Mavie and Arnie were identified as the suspects behind the killing of the late Barangay Dos Punong Barangay Bernardo Sibal Gacuan. Police said the two followed Gacuan to the barangay hall on May 9, 2025, where they shot him dead.

They fled the crime scene after shooting the victim multiple times.

After 10 months of evading arrest, Mavie and Arnie were eventually cornered by police. The suspects are expected to remain behind bars while facing trial, as no bail was recommended for their temporary release.

Antonio Marallag, regional director of the Cagayan Valley police, acknowledged the collective efforts of various police units—from intelligence operations to the backtracking and validation of CCTV footage—that led to the successful arrest of the suspects.

“Sa pamamagitan ng ating sama-samang pagsisikap, lalo nating napapalapit ang kapayapaan at hustisya sa Cagayan Valley sa pamamagitan ng pagtitiyak na ang mga may kinahaharap na kasong kriminal ay mananagot sa batas. Patuloy tayong magkaisa at magsikap upang maging tunay na makabuluhan ang ating mga layunin,” Marallag said.