A 31-YEAR-OLD man who was accused of three counts of rape in Mondragon, Northern Samar was arrested on Tuesday, October 12, 2021.

Joint police operatives apprehended Ronald Rongcales Pantua after spending time in hiding in Rosario, Batangas.

“We congratulate the dedication, diligence, and relentless effort of Northern Samar Police Provincial Office personnel for having caught another wanted person hiding from the law,” said Colonel Arnel Apud, police provincial director.

“We are also thankful for the information provided by some concerned individuals that significantly paved the way to locate the suspect," the official added.

Authorities identified Pantua as Top 2 most wanted person in Northern Samar.

The operatives were from Mondragon Municipal Police Station, led by Captain Jim Balase, in coordination with the police personnel of Rosario, Batangas headed by Major Carlos Caseres, and Northern Samar Provincial Intelligence Unit, led by Lieutenant Colonel Eddie Esidera.

The Regional Trial Court-Branch 20 in Catarman did not recommend bail to the accused.(SunStar Philippines)