The Philippine National Police arrested the No. 1, No. 2, and No. 3 regional most wanted persons in Western Visayas during separate manhunt operations on July 1.
The arrests marked another major accomplishment in the PNP’s nationwide campaign against wanted persons.
The No. 1 regional most wanted person, identified only by the alias “Agot,” was arrested in a geographically isolated and disadvantaged area in Libacao, Aklan.
Police said the 25-year-old Filipino suspect is facing a murder charge.
Law enforcers had to pass through rugged terrain with no road access and limited communication facilities to serve the warrant issued by the court.
In Iloilo, police tracker teams also arrested the No. 2 regional most wanted person, a 24-year-old Filipino male wanted for murder, during an operation in Estancia.
In a separate manhunt operation in Santa Barbara, authorities arrested the No. 3 regional most wanted person, a 71-year-old Filipino carpenter facing a charge of qualified rape of a minor.
Police said all three suspects were arrested by virtue of valid warrants issued by the courts.
They were also informed of their constitutional rights in a language they understood and were placed under police custody for proper judicial proceedings.
The PNP said the operations form part of the continuing implementation of its Focused Agenda, particularly under Enhanced Managing Police Operations, which strengthens intelligence-driven manhunt efforts and the enforcement of court-issued warrants.
The accomplishment also supports the peace and order agenda of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. by ensuring that persons facing criminal charges are brought before the courts through lawful and professional police action.
PNP chief Police General Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr. commended the operating units for their determination and professionalism.
“These arrests show that our police will continue to pursue wanted persons wherever they may be, always within the bounds of the law and with full respect for their constitutional rights. Hindi tayo titigil hangga’t naihaharap sa hukuman ang mga taong may kinahaharap na kaso,” Nartatez said.
“Ang bawat matagumpay na manhunt operation ay patunay ng dedikasyon ng ating mga pulis sa pagpapanatili ng kapayapaan at kaayusan. Tuloy-tuloy lang tayo sa tapat at maayos na pagpapatupad ng batas para sa kaligtasan ng ating mga kababayan,” he added.
The PNP remains committed to sustaining intelligence-based and rights-oriented law enforcement operations as it advances Bagong PNP para sa Bagong Pilipinas: Serbisyong Mabilis, Tapat at Nararamdaman.