Authorities in Bohol have apprehended a former employee of the Farmers Development Center (FARDEC) on serious charges related to terrorism financing. The arrest marks a significant operation under the CIDG's flagship Oplan Pagtugis program.
Details of the Arrest in Talibon
The Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) Bohol Provincial Field Unit successfully captured the suspect at around 1:00 PM on Saturday, December 20, 2025. The operation took place in Purok 2, Barangay Poblacion, within the municipality of Talibon. The individual taken into custody was identified as Carmilo Tabada, a 56-year-old resident of the area.
The arrest was executed based on a warrant issued by Honorable Judge Van Russel Inopiquez of the Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 74 in Cebu City. This court order was released on December 19, 2025, and cites a violation of Republic Act 10168, also known as "The Terrorism Financing Prevention Act of 2012." The court has set bail for Tabada's temporary liberty at P200,000.
Case Background and Legal Proceedings
The legal process leading to this arrest began over a year prior. On November 27, 2024, the CIDG office formally filed a case against Carmilo Tabada for an alleged breach of Section 8 of RA 10168. This complaint was submitted to the Provincial Prosecutor's Office in Tagbilaran City.
After preliminary proceedings, the case was subsequently forwarded to the RTC Branch 74 in Cebu City, which holds jurisdiction over such matters. Following the filing of the case and the eventual issuance of the arrest warrant, the CIDG promptly formed a dedicated tracker team. Their mission was to locate Tabada, culminating in the successful operation in Talibon.
Current Status and Program Context
Carmilo Tabada is currently detained at the CIDG 7 custodial facility. He is scheduled to be presented before the court that authorized his arrest to face the formal charges against him.
This apprehension is part of Oplan Pagtugis, the CIDG's primary program aimed at tracking down and arresting individuals with standing warrants. The arrest of a former staff member of a development organization on charges of terrorism financing highlights the broad scope and serious nature of the offenses targeted by this ongoing law enforcement campaign.
