ILOILO City – Two of Western Visayas’ most wanted individuals, accused of rape, have been captured in separate operations conducted by the police here.
The first arrest took place in Barangay Tanza Baybay on Sunday. The suspect, identified only as “FJ,” aged 38 and a resident of the same barangay, was apprehended at 5:40 p.m. following the issuance of an arrest warrant – for the charge of statutory rape – by Judge Regina Centenera Galang-Guarin of the Regional Trial Court, Branch 30.
“FJ” is ranked as the eighth most wanted person in the region.
The operation was a coordinated effort by various units including the Iloilo City Police Office, Intelligence Unit, Iloilo City Police Station 1, Iloilo City Mobile Force Company, Regional Intelligence Unit 6, and Regional Maritime Unit 6 (RMU-6).
The second operation targeted “Vince”, the region’s 10 most wanted individual, on General Luna Street, Barangay San Agustin, City Proper.
“Vince”, a resident of Block 12, Barangay Sinikway, Lapuz district, was arrested at 12:55 p.m. under an arrest warrant issued by Judge Guarin for sexual abuse in violation of Section 5(B) of Republic Act 7610, concerning lascivious conduct, and rape, with a set bail bond of P200,000 for temporary liberty.
According to Police Captain Roque Gimeno, chief of Iloilo City Police Station 1, a minor who was allegedly sexually abused by “Vince” helped in identifying him.
“Our focus is to intensify efforts against those wanted at regional and city levels. The two individuals had been under surveillance for several days,” said Gimeno.
Police Brigadier General Jack Wanky, director of the Police Regional Office 6 (PRO-6), commended the operatives for apprehending the fugitives. He encouraged other police units to review their lists of wanted persons and to make further arrests.
“We are grateful to the public for continuously providing information on the whereabouts of individuals wanted by the law. Rest assured, your police will intensify the campaign against wanted persons in our region,” said Wanky.
Both “FJ” and “Vince” have been detained at the Police Station 1 detention cell./PN
