By AARON RECUENCO
Intelligence agents of the Philippine National Police (PNP) arrested a man tagged in the bomb attack at the public transportation terminal in Sultan Kudarat during a raid on his safehouse in Lambayong town on Friday, Aug. 21.
Joher Sapalon, known among his colleagues as “Tarzan,” tried to flee by engaging the arresting officers in a shootout, but his escape route was sealed off and he was captured after being hit in the leg.
PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr. commended the arresting team for observing proper police operational procedures despite the exchange of gunfire.
The team also brought Sapalon to a hospital in Sultan Kudarat for treatment.
Sapalon was on the national most‑wanted list for his involvement in the April 17, 2023 bombing at the Isulan Integrated Public Terminal in Sultan Kudarat.
The attack injured three minors and at least four other people, leading to the filing of a criminal case.
Aside from terrorism‑related charges, Sapalon is facing two counts of murder—one for the killing of a 60‑year‑old barangay security officer on July 17, 2021, and another for the death of a barangay tanod on April 7, 2021, both in Lambayong, Sultan Kudarat.
“The operation against wanted persons is not only about justice and the rule of law, it is also about giving the Filipino people the assurance that our justice system works and that those who violate the law will be held accountable,” said Nartatez.
Seized from Sapalon were a 9mm pistol with a magazine containing three live rounds and three fired cartridge casings. (Aaron Recuenco)
