By Christopher Lloyd Caliwan
MANILA – A mayoralty candidate in Jolo, Sulu accused of murder has surrendered to the authorities, the Philippine National Police – Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (PNP-CIDG) said Friday.
In a statement, CIDG Chief Maj. Gen. Robert Morico said an alias “Al,” who ran but lost in the 2025 mayoral race in Jolo, voluntarily surrendered on Sept. 8 at the CIDG Sulu Provincial Field Unit at Camp Supt. Julasirim A. Kasim in Asturias, Jolo. He is facing three counts of murder.
Commission on Elections records show two candidates who ran for Jolo mayor in the last elections, the losing one named Alsid Gonzales.
Armed with a gun, and in conspiracy and in confederacy with several John Does, Al allegedly fatally shot three individuals who were onboard a single motorcycle on their way home to Talon-Talon in Zamboanga City on Feb. 7, 2025.
Upon the issuance of the arrest warrant in March 2025, the accused left Zamboanga City and returned to his home town in Jolo, Sulu to evade arrest.
Morico lauded the joint operating teams “for their unyielding manhunt operations that is being felt and left chilling effect to the fugitives and wanted persons – successfully leading to the voluntary surrender of the accused. “
“With the accounting of this accused, we significantly help the victims and their families attain the success they deserved.” (PNA)
