AT LEAST five persons on the most wanted list were arrested during an intelligence manhunt operation conducted by police on Wednesday, February 15, 2023.
The suspects were identified as Elzid James Tabada and his two brothers Angelito and Egbert, Kirk Genson Potot and Levi Malolot Pabalate.
Lapu-Lapu City Police Station 4 personnel served the warrant against Elzid James at 3:40 p.m. after he surrendered at the station, while Angelito and Egbert turned themselves in to the City Intelligence Unit at 4 p.m.
Judge Jose Alfonso Maliper Gomos of Family Court Branch 5 of Lapu-Lapu City issued the warrant for their arrest on February 13, 2023.
The Tabada siblings are facing three counts of lasciviousness under Republic Act 7610, or “An act providing for stronger deterrence and special protection against child abuse, exploitation and discrimination.”
Another most wanted person, Kirk Genson Potot, was arrested at 5:30 p.m.
The Lapu-Lapu City Police Station 3, together with the City Intelligence Unit and Technical Support Company of the Regional Mobile Force Battalion 7, served the warrant of arrest against the suspect.
Potot has been charged with murder.
In Negros Oriental, Levi Malolot Pabalate, of Barangay South Poblacion, Bacong town, Negros Oriental, was arrested by the personnel of Criminal Investigation and Detection Group Negros Oriental Provincial Field Unit and the Mobile Force Company based in Cebu City.
Pabalate is facing illegal drug charges.
Police Regional Office 7 Director Brigadier General Jerry Bearis lauded his men for their achievements.
“PRO 7 will continue to serve justice for the innocent victims, thus, I am directing all operational units on the ground to heighten the pursuit,” Bearis said. (AYB/TPT)