AKLAN — This province’s No. 1 most wanted person was arrested in a joint police manhunt operation on Independence Day, June 12, in Bayombong, Nueva Vizcaya.
The suspect, identified only as alias “Rio,” 41, a resident of the said place, was apprehended by operatives from Police Regional Office 6’s (PRO-6) Regional Intelligence Unit 6, Aklan Police Provincial Office, and the local Nueva Vizcaya police at around 10:40 p.m. in Barangay La Torre South.
Rio is facing four counts of qualified rape of a minor and one count of sexual assault under Article 266-A(2) of the Revised Penal Code in relation to Section 5(b) of Republic Act No. 7610, otherwise known as the Special Protection of Children Against Abuse, Exploitation and Discrimination Act.
Investigators stated that the suspect previously resided in Nabas, Aklan, where the alleged offenses were committed.
The arrest was executed through a warrant issued on February 24, 2026, by the Regional Trial Court Branch 3 in Kalibo, Aklan. No bail was recommended for the rape charges, while bail for the sexual assault charge was set at P200,000.
PRO-6 director Brigadier General Randulf T. Tuaño commended the joint operating units for the arrest, emphasizing the region’s intensified campaign against criminality.
“This successful operation reflects the unwavering dedication, sustained vigilance, and high level of professionalism of our personnel who remain steadfast in their mission to uphold the law and protect our communities,” he said. “As we commemorate our nation’s Independence Day, we are reminded that true freedom flourishes when peace and order prevail, victims obtain justice, and offenders are held accountable.”
Tuaño added that PRO-6 will continue to intensify its campaign against criminality and relentlessly pursue wanted persons wherever they may be hiding./PN
