Authorities arrested the most wanted person in Zamboanga, Sibugay during a manhunt operation in Maguindanao del Norte, a top police official said on Tuesday.

According to Zamboanga Sibugay Police Director Colonel Eduardo Mallo, the suspect named Cipriano Espolong was nabbed in Barangay Upper Dinganen, Buldon, Maguindanao del Norte, at around 4:45 p.m. on Monday.

Earlier this month, the court in Imelda, Zamboanga Sibugay, issued a warrant of arrest to Espolong on three counts of rape with no recommended bail.

Espolong was arrested during a joint operation headed by police officials from Zamboanga, Sibugay, and Maguindanao following the information, confirming that he was hiding in the area, stated Mallo.

A homemade 12-gauge shotgun loaded with three pieces of ammunition was recovered from his possession.