POLICE in Western Visayas arrested three of the region’s most wanted fugitives — all in a single day — in separate law enforcement operations conducted on July 14, 2025.
The arrested suspects include the fourth, fifth, and seventh most wanted persons at the provincial level, wanted for murder and statutory rape cases.
Arrested first, at 2:02 p.m. of July 14, was alias Jojo, 42, a tricycle driver and resident of San Jose, Antique. He was wanted for statutory rape.
The arrest was made in Barangay Funda-Dalipe, San Jose by virtue of a warrant issued on June 25, 2025. No bail was recommended.
Jojo is now in police custody and will be turned over to the court for further proceedings.
Police Brigadier General Josefino Ligan, director of the Police Regional Office in Western Visayas (PRO 6), commended the San Jose Municipal Police Station, saying: “This arrest is a clear reflection of your unwavering commitment to uphold justice and bring closure to the victims and their families.”
At 10:09 p.m., alias Rick, 19, a student from Barangay Abilay Norte, Oton, Iloilo, was arrested by a joint team led by Oton Municipal Police Station’s Tracker Team, with support from the Philippine National Police (PNP) Anti-Kidnapping Group-Visayas, the 1st Iloilo Provincial Mobile Force Company, and the Regional Intelligence Unit (RIU 6).
Rick was arrested by virtue of a warrant for statutory rape, with no bail recommended. He is currently detained at Oton police station pending turnover to the court.
Before midnight, at 11:37 p.m., in Barangay Poblacion, Anini-y, Antique, another wanted fugitive, alias Dodoy, 35, a construction worker from Barangay Nasuli-C, Anini-y, was arrested.
He was wanted for murder, under a warrant issued October 21, 2024, with no bail recommended.
The operation was carried out by Anini-y Municipal Police Station, with assistance from the Provincial Intelligence Unit-Antique, RIU 6, and the 1st Antique Provincial Mobile Force Company.
Dodoy remains in police custody pending turnover to the issuing court.
Ligan praised the operation, saying: “We will not allow criminals to roam freely and evade justice. We will hunt them down and ensure that justice is served.”
Western Visayas police vowed to continue its intensified manhunt operations to ensure wanted individuals are held accountable. (Leo Solinap)