JOINT police operatives in Leyte arrested the Top 9 most wanted person in the province for a rape case.

Joed “Yoyo” Tabat, 33, and a resident of Barangay Ponong, Bato, Leyte, was facing a warrant dated October 18, 2019.

Colonel Rodelio Samson, director of Leyte Police Provincial Office (LPPO), said they will intensify the intelligence-driven operations against wanted persons in the province and put them behind bars to give justice to the victims.

Tabat was arrested in Barangay Sta. Cruz, Baybay City during a manhunt operation on September 3, 2021.

The operatives were from Bato Municipal Police Station, led by Major Jayson Balbarona; LPPO Provincial Intelligence Unit, led by Lieutenant Colonel Dinvir Revita; Baybay City Police Station, headed by Lieutenant Joemen Collado; and Regional Intelligence Unit 8 led by Lieutenant Colonel Felix Gervacio Jr.

Executive judge Ephrem Suarez Abando, of the Regional Trial Court-Branch 18 in Hilongos, Leyte, did not recommend bail to the accused.

Tabat was brought to Bato Municipal Police Station for documentation prior to turn-over to the court of origin. (SunStar Philippines)