Police arrested one of Eastern Visayas’ most wanted fugitives during an intelligence-driven manhunt operation in General MacArthur, Eastern Samar on July 3.
The Philippine National Police said the 49-year-old suspect was arrested in Sitio Palanas, Barangay Vigan by personnel of the General MacArthur Municipal Police Station, with support from the Eastern Samar Police Provincial Intelligence Unit and other assisting police units.
The suspect was listed as the No. 3 most wanted person at the regional level and the No. 1 most wanted person at the municipal level in Eastern Visayas.
He is facing three counts of qualified rape of a minor under a warrant issued by the Regional Trial Court, Branch 3, in Guiuan, Eastern Samar.
The offense is non-bailable. Police said the suspect is now under custody pending turnover to the issuing court.
PNP Chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said the arrest showed the police organization’s continuing campaign against wanted persons, especially those facing charges for heinous crimes involving children.
“This arrest demonstrates that no wanted person can outrun the law forever. Our police units remain relentless in pursuing fugitives, especially those facing charges for heinous crimes, because every successful arrest strengthens public trust in the justice system,” Nartatez said.
He said the operation was part of the PNP’s broader effort to strengthen intelligence gathering and targeted law enforcement under its focused agenda on enhanced police operations.
“Ang bawat matagumpay na pag-aresto ay bunga ng sipag, tiyaga, at malasakit ng ating mga pulis sa kaligtasan ng mamamayan. Patuloy nating ipatutupad ang batas nang may integridad at respeto sa karapatan ng bawat isa,” he added.
The PNP said it will continue its intensified campaign against wanted persons and other lawless elements to uphold peace, order, and public safety.