BUTUAN CITY - A member of the notorious Umali/Kapatiran armed group has been arrested during an operation in Veruela town of Agusan del Sur, the Police Regional Office in Caraga (PRO-13) reported Thursday.

In an interview, Major Dorothy Tumulak, PRO-13 information officer, told the Philippine News Agency that Efraim Marcos Alicabo, alias "Ep-Ep", 32, of Purok 6A, Barangay Binongan, Veruela, was nabbed by personnel of the 1303rd Maneuver Company - Regional Mobile Force Battalion 13, and the Veruela police on Wednesday afternoon at his residence.

"His arrest was made by virtue of an arrest warrant issued by the Regional Trial Court Branch 7 in Baganga, Davao Oriental for murder and frustrated murder," Tumulak said.

In a separate statement on Wednesday afternoon, PRO-13 Director, Brig. Gen. Romeo Caramat Jr., said the Umali/Kapatiran armed group is involved in illegal logging, illegal mining, and killings in Caraga Region, particularly in the areas of Surigao del Sur and Agusan del Sur, and in parts of Davao Region, specifically in Davao Oriental.

"Alicabo is a most wanted person involved in killings and illegal activities in the area of Lingig, Surigao del Sur," Caramat said.

In February this year, he said a police team had also apprehended the suspect's brother, Eric Alicabo, 27, for murder and attempted murder.

"The arrest of Alicabo was made possible through intelligence and investigation activities of our personnel. The police force of Caraga will never stop apprehending wanted persons," Caramat said.

He added that the PRO-13 is set to intensify its operations against armed groups and wanted criminals to stop them from disrupting the forthcoming local and national elections next year. (PNA)