A SERIES of anti-criminality operations led to the arrest of eight most wanted persons in Eastern Visayas towns from March 4 to 5, 2021.
Following the warrants issued by judges, police arrested Joey Balibalita, listed as number 9 most wanted in Sta. Rita; Richbert Laurente, top 9 most wanted in Palompon, Leyte; Alfredo Ponce Tejero, top 3 most wanted in Northern Samar province; Edmundo Argallion, top 10 most wanted in Ormoc City; Ruben Rellesiva Duma, top 6 most wanted in Burauen, Leyte; Jose Bantasan, top 3 most wanted person in Eastern Visayas; Andronico Palaña, top 3 most wanted in Burauen; and Christian Nicole Araza, top 8 most wanted person in Paranas, Samar.
According to the Police Regional Office-Eastern Visayas, the arrested persons were facing charges for robbery, violation of Republic Act (RA) 9262 or the Anti Violence Against Women and their Children Act of 2004, murder, frustrated murder, violation of RA 7610 or the Special Protection of Children Against Child. Abuse, Exploitation and Discrimination, seven counts of qualified rape, rape, and for violation of RA 10654, which amends the Philippine Fisheries Code, respectively.
“The two consecutive arrests of top most wanted persons in the province reflects the dedication of our men to go after criminals wherever they are hiding. This should also serve as a warning to them,” said Colonel Arnel Apud, director of Northern Samar Police Provincial Office, on the arrest of Tejero.
Police turned over the accused to their courts of origin. (SunStar Philippines)