MARANTAO, Lanao del Sur — A sitting vice mayor of Marantao, Lanao del Sur, has been arrested in Iligan City after police tracked him down in connection with separate cases of murder and frustrated murder, according to the Philippine National Police (PNP).
Vice Mayor Ali Eskandar Unte Alonto III, also known as “Bimmy Alonto,” 36, was taken into police custody during an operation conducted by intelligence personnel and Lanao del Sur police at an inn in Barangay San Miguel, Iligan City, on Friday, August 21.
The arrest followed intelligence gathering and tracking operations that confirmed Alonto’s presence in the area, authorities said.
Two criminal cases, separate bail conditions
According to the PNP, Alonto is the subject of two arrest warrants issued by Judge Jamel Tabao Mamutik of the Regional Trial Court Branch 44 in Initao, Misamis Oriental, on July 15, 2026.
One warrant involves a murder case with no bail recommended, while the separate frustrated murder case carries recommended bail of ₱200,000.
The charges stem from a case being handled in Misamis Oriental, although the suspect is an incumbent local official from neighboring Lanao del Sur.
Earlier reports in March 2026 linked a Lanao del Sur political figure to a February shooting in Initao that left a woman dead and another victim injured. However, Police Regional Office 10 had previously clarified that its regional director had not publicly identified a specific Lanao del Sur vice mayor at that stage, describing the suspect only as a political figure from outside Region 10.
That distinction is important: the earlier police clarification should not be interpreted as an identification of Alonto at the time. The current development is based on the subsequent arrest warrants and the PNP’s announcement of Alonto’s arrest.
From wanted list to police custody
Before his arrest, Alonto had been listed among the most wanted persons in Northern Mindanao.
The PNP said he ranked No. 1 on the Marantao municipal wanted list, No. 3 on the Lanao del Sur provincial list, and No. 4 on the regional list of wanted persons under Police Regional Office 10.
His arrest marks a significant development in the cases, particularly because he is an incumbent elected official.
In the 2025 midterm elections, Alonto won the Marantao vice mayoralty race, defeating his opponent by 542 votes, according to Inquirer.
PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. commended the personnel involved in the operation and emphasized the police force’s continuing efforts to apprehend wanted individuals.
What happens next?
With Alonto now in police custody, the murder and frustrated-murder cases will proceed through the judicial process.
The allegations remain allegations unless and until proven in court. His arrest and the existence of warrants do not constitute a finding of guilt.
As of the latest reports, Alonto’s office had not yet issued a public response to the arrest. GMA News said it was seeking comment from his office.
The case is expected to draw continued attention because it involves a sitting local official, two serious criminal charges, and an arrest warrant issued by a court in Misamis Oriental.
For now, the biggest question is what evidence will emerge as the cases move forward in court.
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