THE Police Regional Office in Western Visayas (PRO 6) arrested the region’s eighth most wanted person during a joint law enforcement operation in Barangay Jawod, San Joaquin, Iloilo around 12:50 p.m. Saturday, April 12, 2025.
Police Brigadier General Jack L. Wanky, director of the Police Regional Office in Western Visayas (PRO 6), commended the unwavering commitment and bravery of the personnel involved in the successful operation.
“The arrest of the remaining wanted persons in the region serves as a warning to them that hiding is not an option, and they will be searched for, caught, and brought to court to face the crimes,” Wanky said.
The suspect, identified as Jelly, also known as Jun, 57, a resident of Barangay Tuy-an East, Maasin, Iloilo, was apprehended by the 1st Iloilo Provincial Mobile Force Company (PMFC), San Joaquin Municipal Police Station (MPS), Maasin MPS, and the Regional Intelligence Unit (RIU) in Western Visayas.
He was wanted for murder based on a warrant issued on May 11, 2016, and for violation of Republic Act (RA) 10591 or the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act issued on August 2, 2023, by the Regional Trial Court of the 6th Judicial Region in Iloilo City.
During the arrest, at least six armed individuals opened fire on the arresting team, prompting a gunfight that lasted nearly five minutes.
No police personnel were injured in the encounter. A clearing operation in the area led to the recovery of one M16 rifle with a magazine, another M16 rifle with an attached M203 grenade launcher loaded with 40mm ammunition, and several magazines and live cartridges.
Police Colonel Bayani M. Razalan, Provincial Director of the Iloilo Police Provincial Office (Ippo), commended the efforts of the police units involved and the support of the community.
“I want to take a moment to commend the unwavering bravery, courage, and dedication of our operating teams, especially the 1st IPMFC, Maasin MPS, and San Joaquin MPS. Your commitment to apprehending this top fugitive in Western Visayas, despite the inherent risks, exemplifies the highest ideals of public service and the quest for justice for the victim and their family," Razalan said.
Razalan expressed gratitude to the Ilonggo community for their support of the police and urged them to continue working together to create a safe, peaceful, and progressive Iloilo.
Police authorities had monitored the suspect’s movement in Barangay Jawod for over a month. The operation was launched after they received validated intelligence that he would be attending a cockfighting event in the barangay as part of the fiesta celebration.
Investigators are identifying armed assailants and their connection to Jelly, while inquiries remain about their association with a specific group like RPD-ABB. Criminal charges will be filed as more information is gathered.
The suspect is currently in police custody. No bail was recommended for the murder charge, while bail for the violation of RA 10591 was set at P120,000. (TPM/SunStar Philippines)