Top Regional Most Wanted Person Arrested in Iligan City

By Sherman Calotes | Philippine People's Press 

Iligan City, July 6, 2025 — In a pre-dawn operation, law enforcement authorities arrested the second most wanted person in Region 9, a 35-year-old male suspect identified only by his alias “John John,” along Benito Labao Street in Barangay Poblacion, Iligan City.

The arrest was carried out at around 2:48 AM through a coordinated effort by operatives from the Zamboanga del Sur Provincial Intelligence Unit (ZSPIU), Iligan City Police Station 5, Pagadian City Police Station, and the Regional Intelligence Division 9 (RID9).

The suspect, a resident of Tiguma, Pagadian City, was apprehended by virtue of a warrant of arrest issued by the Regional Trial Court Branch 18 in Pagadian City, dated January 30, 2023. He is facing multiple charges, including two counts of Murder (non-bailable), Attempted Murder (with ₱120,000 recommended bail), and two counts of Violation of Republic Act 10591 or the Illegal Possession of Firearms and Explosives (with a total recommended bail of ₱240,000).

According to police records, "John John" had been at large for over a year and was considered a high-value fugitive due to the gravity of his alleged crimes. His inclusion in the Top 2 Most Wanted Persons at the regional level prompted an intensified manhunt that led to his arrest.

The suspect is currently under the custody of Iligan City Police Station 5 for documentation and processing. He will soon be turned over to the Pagadian City Police Station to face the charges filed against him.

Authorities praised the seamless coordination among police units involved and assured the public that efforts to apprehend other fugitives across the region will continue without let-up.

Source: Zamboanga del Sur Police Provincial Office (ZSPPO), PRO 9

Philippine People's Press | In Truth We Prevail