ILOILO City — After two years of hiding from the police, Iloilo City’s third most-wanted drug personality was finally apprehended on Tuesday, March 24, in Barangay Nanga, Pototan, Iloilo.
Personnel from Iloilo City Police Station 3 arrested the suspect, identified by the alias “Romil,” 55, at around 5:30 p.m. The arrest was made by virtue of a warrant for violation of Republic Act 9165 (Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002), issued by the Regional Trial Court, 6th Judicial Region, Branch 25.
According to Iloilo City Police Office (ICPO) director, Colonel Wilbert Parilla, the suspect had been evading authorities for two years following a buy-bust operation in Jaro district sometime in 2023 where he managed to escape while his live-in partner was apprehended.
The breakthrough in the case came when the ICPO received intelligence that the suspect frequently visited his partner, who is currently detained at the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) facility in Barangay Nanga.
“We monitored that he visited his live-in partner every Tuesday, so binantayan ng tao natin na makalabas sa BJMP at saka hinuli natin,” said Parilla.
Police Brigadier General Josefino Ligan, director of the Police Regional Office 6 (PRO-6), commended the ICPO for their persistence in tracking down the high-profile fugitive.
“This successful arrest sends a strong message: no matter how long it takes, the law will catch up with those who attempt to evade justice,” Ligan stated. “We remain steadfast in our commitment to ensuring that individuals involved in illegal drugs are held accountable and that our communities remain safe.”
The suspect is currently detained at Iloilo City Police Station 3 pending further legal proceedings./PN
