BACOLOD City — The Police Regional Office–Negros Island Region (PRO-NIR) arrested the region’s No. 1 and No. 5 most wanted persons in separate manhunt operations in Negros Occidental on July 4, marking a major breakthrough in its campaign against fugitives.
The suspects were apprehended in separate operations in La Carlota City and Silay City by joint operatives of the Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office (NOcPPO), Provincial Intelligence Unit (PIU), Police Intelligence Team (PIT) of the Regional Intelligence Unit–NIR, and the respective local police stations.
The No. 1 most wanted, identified only by the alias “Mar,” 20, was arrested at about 10:24 a.m. along Ibiza Street, Villa Caridad Subdivision, Barangay III, La Carlota City.
Police served a warrant of arrest against the suspect for six counts of rape under Article 266-A, Paragraph 1(d) of the Revised Penal Code. The court recommended no bail.
According to police, the accused allegedly had repeated sexual intercourse with his minor girlfriend, resulting in her pregnancy.
In a separate operation, authorities arrested the fifth most wanted person, identified only by the alias “Al,” 47, at about 10:50 a.m. in the Yolanda Housing area of Barangay E. Lopez, Silay City.
Police served a warrant of arrest for murder against the suspect, who was allegedly involved in a drug-related fatal shooting in Silay City in 2024. Authorities also tagged him as an alleged gun-for-hire.
Police records showed that the suspect had previously been arrested in Victorias City in 2022 for violating Republic Act No. 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.
PRO-NIR director Brig. Gen. Romano V. Cardiño commended the operating units for the successful arrests, saying they reflect the police force’s commitment to bringing fugitives to justice.
“These arrests send a clear message that no fugitive can outrun the law. We will continue to intensify our manhunt operations to ensure that individuals accused of serious crimes are brought before the courts and held accountable,” Cardiño said.
He added that PRO-NIR will sustain intelligence-driven operations under its SAFE NIR Program to locate and arrest wanted persons, strengthen public safety, and uphold peace and order across the Negros Island Region./PN
