The Philippine National Police arrested Region 2’s No. 8 most wanted person during a manhunt operation in Iguig, Cagayan, on July 2.
PNP chief Police General Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr. said the operation led to the arrest of the accused, identified only by the alias “Domeng,” a 44-year-old Filipino male and delivery rider.
The Iguig Municipal Police Station carried out the arrest with assistance from the Police Intelligence Team Cagayan South and the Regional Intelligence Unit 2.
Police said the accused was arrested by virtue of a warrant issued by the Regional Trial Court Branch 4 in Tuguegarao City, Cagayan, for three counts of rape. No bail was recommended.
Authorities said the accused was informed of his constitutional rights after his arrest before being presented to the issuing court for appropriate proceedings.
Nartatez said the arrest showed the PNP’s continuing effort to bring persons facing serious charges before the courts.
“Every successful manhunt reinforces our commitment to the rule of law and sends a clear message that those who evade justice will eventually be found and brought before the courts,” he said.
“Hindi titigil ang PNP sa pagtugis sa mga akusadong nagtatago sa batas. Patuloy nating titiyakin na haharap sila sa hukuman at mananagot sa kanilang mga ginawa,” he added.
The PNP said the operation forms part of its Focused Agenda under Enhanced Managing Police Operations, which sustains intelligence-driven manhunt efforts against wanted persons facing serious offenses.
In a separate statement, Nartatez said every arrest helps strengthen public confidence in the criminal justice system.
“Our operations will remain relentless in pursuing fugitives whose continued evasion poses a threat to public safety and the administration of justice,” he said.
The PNP said it will continue intensifying its campaign against wanted persons under the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and its banner of “Bagong PNP para sa Bagong Pilipinas: Serbisyong mabilis, tapat, at nararamdaman.”