BANATE, Iloilo — Police authorities successfully apprehended the province’s top most wanted individual during a Saturday operation in this municipality.
The Iloilo Police Provincial Office (IPPO) identified the 33-year-old jobless suspect only by his alias, Mar. He faces charges for rape against a minor and was captured on October 17, just a day after a local court issued a warrant for his arrest on October 16.
IPPO Director Col. Bayani Razalan praised the Banate Municipal Police Station, led by Lt. Maria Cherry Demarana, for executing the swift operation.
“This accomplishment reflects our personnel’s dedication and our intensified efforts to bring wanted individuals before the proper courts,” Razalan said in a statement.
Authorities also acknowledged the crucial assistance of local residents whose timely tips led to the fugitive’s whereabouts.
The Police Regional Office-6 (PRO-6) echoed the commendations, emphasizing the region’s zero-tolerance policy toward crimes against minors.
“Walang puwang sa ating mga komunidad ang pang-aabuso, lalo na laban sa mga bata,” stated PRO-6 Director Brig. Gen. Randulf Tuaño.
“Patuloy nating tutugisin ang mga indibidwal na pinaghahanap ng batas upang matiyak na mahaharap sila sa proseso ng katarungan,” Tuaño added.
The suspect is currently in police custody and will be presented to the appropriate court to face the charges against him.