A former member of the Philippine Army's special action force, Noel Manuel, was arrested in Oriental Mindoro on July 5, 2026, following a police operation that led to his capture.Manuel is accused of leading a contract killing group and faces four murder charges, including one for frustrated murder.The arrest marks a significant blow to the crime syndicate, as he was previously listed as the third most wanted fugitive in Mimaropa.A reward of P375,000 was offered for his capture, which was successfully claimed by authorities.During the raid in Barangay Odiong, police recovered a .45-caliber pistol from Manuel.Philippine National Police chief Gen.Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr.emphasized that the arrest disrupts the criminal network's operations.The case highlights ongoing efforts to dismantle organized crime groups linked to former military personnel.

Investigations continue into the alleged murders attributed to Manuel's group, with authorities urging the public to report any suspicious activities related to contract killings.