Sultan kudarat: A national-level most wanted bombing fugitive and a vice mayor from Lanao del Sur, who is facing murder charges, have been apprehended in separate police operations.

According to Philippines News Agency, the Philippine National Police (PNP) announced over the weekend the arrest of Joher Sapalon, also known as Tarzan or Tarsan. Sapalon, linked to the 2023 Isulan public terminal bombing, was captured in Sultan Kudarat on Friday. He sustained a gunshot wound to the leg during a brief shootout with police officers. Sapalon is also facing two murder charges related to the 2021 killings of two village security officers in Lambayong town. After the shootout, authorities seized a 9mm pistol from Sapalon before he was taken to the hospital under tight security, pending his court appearance.

In a separate operation, Marantao, Lanao del Sur Vice Mayor Ali Eskandar Unte Alonto III, also known as Bimmy Alonto, was arrested in Iligan City on Friday. Alonto is facing murder charges and is listed as one of the top wanted fugitives at the municipal, provincial, and regional levels. He is facing a no-bail murder charge and a frustrated murder case issued by a Misamis Oriental court on July 15.