The Philippine National Police (PNP) arrested the No. 2 Regional Most Wanted Person of Police Regional Office 2 (PRO2), facing 15 counts of qualified rape of a minor, during a manhunt operation in Barangay Palo-Alto, Calamba City, Laguna.
The suspect, a 36-year-old Filipino male construction worker and resident of Ilagan City, Isabela, was apprehended by virtue of a warrant of arrest issued by the Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 18 in Ilagan City for 15 counts of qualified rape of a minor, with no bail recommended.
The operation was led by the Alicia Municipal Police Station, with support from the Isabela Provincial Intelligence Unit, Regional Intelligence Division 2, and Regional Intelligence Unit 2.
Following the arrest, the suspect was taken into custody by the Alicia Municipal Police Station for documentation and processing before turnover to the issuing court.
The PNP said the operation reflects its continued commitment under its Focused Agenda, particularly the Enhanced Managing Police Operations pillar, which strengthens intelligence-driven manhunt efforts to ensure fugitives are located and brought before the courts.
Police General Nartatez emphasized that individuals facing serious criminal charges cannot evade accountability indefinitely.
“The PNP remains relentless in locating and arresting fugitives who seek to evade justice. We will continue working with determination to ensure that those accused of grave offenses are brought before the courts to answer for their actions,” he said.
He added that the organization remains firm in its mandate to protect victims and uphold the rule of law.
“Hindi titigil ang PNP hangga’t hindi napapanagot ang mga wanted persons. Tungkulin naming protektahan ang biktima at pairalin ang batas,” he said.
The PNP reiterated that its intensified campaign against wanted persons, aligned with the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., underscores its commitment to a “Bagong PNP para sa Bagong Pilipinas: Serbisyong mabilis, tapat, at nararamdaman.”