By CHRIS V. PANGANIBAN
SAN FRANCISCO, Agusan del Sur — Operatives of Police Regional Office 13 arrested on July 9, Thursday, the Caraga Region’s Topmost Wanted Person, who was identified as the primary suspect in the non-fatal shooting of Barobo Mayor Ronito L. Martizano and his security escorts on February 3 this year.
PRO13 Regional Director PBGen. Marcial Mariano P. Magistrado IV identified the suspect as alias “Commander Puma,” 39, a resident of Purok 4, Maapod, Barangay Cabacungan, Barobo, Surigao del Sur.
According to the Regional Intelligence Division 13, the suspect was formerly the Deputy Secretary of the dismantled Guerrilla Front 30 under the Sub-Regional Sentro De Grabidad Westland, Northeastern Mindanao Regional Committee, based on the Working Periodic Status Report for the fourth quarter of 2016.
The shooting incident occurred in Purok 2, Barangay Dughan, Barobo, and wounded Mayor Martizano, 60, and his security escort, PFC Kheven Mark Claridad, 29, of the Philippine Army’s 67th Infantry Battalion.
Following the attack, PBGEN Magistrado ordered the activation of Special Investigation Task Group MARTIZANO and directed a region-wide manhunt against the identified suspect.
Through sustained surveillance, intelligence gathering, investigation, and inter-agency coordination, operatives of RID 13 and the Barobo Municipal Police Station located and arrested the suspect.
Alias “Commander Puma” was arrested by virtue of four warrants issued on April 27, 2026, by the Regional Trial Court, 11th Judicial Region, Branch 28 in Lianga, Surigao del Sur.
The warrants involved one count of frustrated murder under Criminal Case No. 26-5120, with recommended bail of Php 200,000, and three counts of attempted murder under Criminal Case Nos. 26-5126, 26-5123, and 26-5125, with recommended bail of Php 120,000 for each case.
Magistrado commended the operating units for their dedication, professionalism, and determination in pursuing the suspect.
“The arrest of the Caraga Region’s Topmost Wanted Person is a testament to PRO13’s relentless commitment to uphold justice. This significant breakthrough marks a major development in the shooting incident involving Mayor Martizano. I highly commend our operating troops for their hard work, professionalism, and dedication to duty,” he said.
The suspect remains in police custody and is undergoing standard booking procedures and documentation before the warrants are returned to the issuing court.
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