A man listed as the No. 4 most wanted person in Police Regional Office 8 was arrested in Leyte following an operation carried out by the Philippine National Police (PNP) on April 29, 2026.
The suspect was apprehended at around 12:58 pm in Barangay Apale, Isabel, Leyte, through a joint operation led by personnel of the Isabel Municipal Police Station and the Leyte Police Provincial Office.
Authorities said the arrest stemmed from the implementation of a warrant of arrest involving multiple charges, including three counts of statutory rape with no bail recommended and 11 counts of rape by sexual assault, with total recommended bail set at P2.2 million. The suspect is now under the custody of the arresting officers.
The operation is part of the PNP’s continuing campaign against fugitives facing serious criminal charges, particularly those included in regional wanted lists. Police said sustained intelligence gathering and coordinated field operations remain key to locating and arresting high-risk suspects.
PNP Chief Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said the arrest underscores the agency’s determination to ensure that individuals accused of grave offenses are brought to justice.
He said law enforcement units will continue pursuing wanted persons without letup, stressing that accountability must be enforced to protect communities from further harm.
The police chief added that operations like this reflect the agency’s broader reform agenda aimed at improving responsiveness and accountability in police work, particularly through more focused and coordinated field operations.
The PNP said it will continue intensifying its manhunt operations nationwide as part of its campaign against heinous crimes, in line with the directive of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
Authorities also reiterated their commitment to a more responsive police service under the banner of “Bagong PNP para sa Bagong Pilipinas,” emphasizing faster, more reliable, and more visible law enforcement for the public.