ILOILO — Police arrested Western Visayas’ Top 1 most wanted person in a late-night operation in Iloilo, taking into custody a fugitive facing non-bailable charges of qualified rape involving a minor, authorities said.
Alias “Enteng,” a 46-year-old married farmer and long-time resident of Barangay Bacolod, Balasan town, was arrested at around 10:25 p.m. on February 6 in Barangay Poblacion Sur, Balasan, following a targeted operation by the Balasan Municipal Police Station.
The suspect was served a warrant of arrest issued on January 13, 2026, charging him with Qualified Rape under Article 266-A, paragraph 1, in relation to Article 266-B of the Revised Penal Code and Republic Act 7610, which provides special protection to children against abuse, exploitation and discrimination.
Police said the court recommended no bail for the accused, underscoring the gravity of the offense and the strength of the case filed against him.
Western Visayas police director Police Brigadier General Josefino Ligan praised the arresting team and said the capture of the region’s most wanted fugitive sends a strong signal to criminals.
“The apprehension of the Top 1 Most Wanted Person at the regional level sends a resolute message to all criminals: the long arm of the law will invariably catch up with fugitives, regardless of time or circumstance,” Ligan said. “The Police Regional Office 6 remains steadfast in our mission to protect the oppressed, uphold the rule of law, and bring to justice those who commit heinous crimes.”
Police said the arrest capped intensified manhunt operations across the region and reaffirmed their commitment to pursuing fugitives, particularly those accused of crimes against vulnerable individuals.
PRO-6 also urged the public to stay vigilant and continue reporting suspicious activities, stressing that community cooperation remains vital in sustaining peace and order in Western Visayas.
The suspect is now in police custody and awaits judicial proceedings./PN