ILOILO City – A major fugitive, identified only as alias “Jaybee”, was apprehended on Tuesday evening in Barangay Bancal, Carles, Iloilo.
Jaybee, ranked as the third most wanted person in Western Visayas, had been evading law enforcement for over a year due to charges involving two counts of rape by carnal knowledge, with the aggravating circumstance of the victim being a minor, in violation of Republic Act 7610 or the Anti-Child Abuse Law.
The arrest occurred at approximately 7:15 p.m. and was facilitated by a warrant.
The incident leading to the charges took place last year in one of the island barangays of Carles town. The victim, an elementary school pupil, reported the assault to family members a few days post-incident, which led to the formal filing of the case.
Major Sonny Boy Garnace, chief of Carles police, confirmed that the suspect was detained at the Carles Police Station shortly after the warrant was served, based on a tip-off about his location.
“We acted swiftly to execute the arrest warrant once we confirmed his presence in the area,” Garnace said.
The successful operation has drawn commendation from higher-ups, including Colonel Bayani Razalan, director of the Iloilo Police Provincial Office (IPPO), who praised the dedication and effort of the tracking team.
“This arrest shows our commitment to peace, order, and the rule of law,” said Razalan.
Adding to the accolades, Brigadier General Jack Wanky, director of Police Regional Office 6 (PRO-6), highlighted the arrest as a direct result of the directive to pursue individuals implicated in serious crimes.
“Our chiefs have responded positively to intensify operations against fugitives, leading to this notable success,” Wanky explained./PN
