The Regional Trial Court Branch 2 in Isabela City has ordered the arrest of Arsina Kahing-Nanoh, mayor of Hadji Muhtamad, and six others for multiple murder and frustrated murder charges.
On September 10, Judge Joseph Wee Sit denied motions to recall the arrest warrants, which had previously been put on hold by an August 24 order.
Criminal Charges Linked to Political Violence
The criminal cases stem from a May 12, 2025, attack that occurred just before the midterm elections. Armed individuals reportedly ambushed a pumpboat carrying supporters of Kahing-Nanoh's political opponent.
The standard for issuing an arrest warrant is less stringent than proving guilt during a full-blown trial.
Judge Joseph Wee Sit
- Kahing-Nanoh and co-accused face multiple counts of murder and frustrated murder.
- Three individuals were killed in the ambush, and two others were seriously injured.
Prosecutors argue that Kahing-Nanoh is implicated in the attack, claiming she owned the speedboats used in the assault. Evidence suggests her relatives and security personnel were among the armed suspects.
Initially reported as a legitimate law enforcement encounter, the incident's classification was challenged after forensic tests indicated that the deceased victims had no gunpowder residue.
With the court lifting the earlier injunction, the arrest warrants are now active, allowing law enforcement to proceed with arrests.