Iloilo’s top fugitive arrested in Banate for statutory rape

ILOILO — Police operatives arrested Iloilo Province’s No. 1 most wanted person during a manhunt operation in Barangay Carmelo, Banate town on Saturday morning, October 17.

The suspect, identified by his alias “Marmar,” 33, married, unemployed, and a resident of the town, was apprehended at around 9:30 a.m. for statutory rape.

Officers of the Banate Municipal Police Station (MPS) tracker team executed the arrest under a warrant issued on October 16, 2026 by a judge of the Regional Trial Court, Sixth Judicial Region, Branch 66 (covering Barotac Viejo, San Rafael, Banate, and Anilao).

No bail was recommended for the suspect’s temporary liberty.

Police Regional Office 6 (PRO-6) director Brigadier General Randulf T. Tuaño commended the operating unit for the successful operation, reinforcing the law enforcement’s commitment to protecting vulnerable sectors.

“Walang puwang sa ating mga komunidad ang pang-aabuso, lalo na laban sa mga bata,” said Tuaño. “Patuloy nating tutugisin ang mga indibidwal na pinaghahanap ng batas upang matiyak

na mahaharap sila sa proseso ng katarungan. Ang bawat matagumpay na pag-aresto

ay patunay ng ating determinasyong protektahan ang mga mamamayan, pangalagaan

ang mga biktima, at itaguyod ang pananagutan sa ilalim ng batas.”

The suspect was detained at the Banate MPS custodial facility pending court disposition./PN