Iloilo Police Nab Two Top Fugitives in Separate Rape Case Operations
In a significant breakthrough for law enforcement, joint operatives in Iloilo successfully apprehended two most wanted persons in separate intelligence-driven operations on April 16, 2026. The arrests targeted a regional tenth most wanted fugitive and the third most wanted individual in Iloilo Province, both facing serious rape charges with no bail recommended.
Regional Director Commends Efforts
Police Brigadier General Josefino Ligan, the regional director of Police Regional Office in Western Visayas (PRO 6), praised the operating units for their dedication. "This arrest underscores our commitment to ensure that no offender can evade justice, especially in cases involving the protection of women and children," Ligan stated. He emphasized that PRO 6 will continue to intensify manhunt operations and collaborate closely with partner agencies to bring perpetrators before the court of law.
Ligan highlighted the successful arrest as part of an intensified campaign against heinous crimes, assuring the public of ongoing efforts to pursue offenders and serve justice effectively.
Details of the First Arrest
The tenth most wanted person at the regional level, identified as alias Justin, a 20-year-old student and resident of Guimaras, was arrested at approximately 11:57 a.m. on April 16, 2026. The operation took place in Fort San Pedro, Barangay Concepcion, City Proper District, Iloilo City.
The arrest was led by the Guimaras Police Provincial Office (GPPO) – Provincial Intelligence Unit, with support from multiple agencies including:
- Jordan Municipal Police Station (MPS)
- San Lorenzo MPS
- Guimaras Provincial Mobile Force Company (GPMFC)
- Provincial Highway Patrol Team – Iloilo
- Coast Guard Station Iloilo
- Coast Guard Intelligence Unit – Western Visayas
Coordination was also maintained with Iloilo City Police Station (ICPS) 1 to ensure a seamless operation.
The suspect was apprehended based on a warrant of arrest for rape by carnal knowledge under Article 266-A of the Revised Penal Code, as amended, in relation to Republic Act (RA) 7610. The warrant was issued by the Regional Trial Court, Branch 65 of Jordan, Guimaras, with no bail recommended for his temporary liberty.
Authorities noted that this arrest completed the accounting of all tenth most wanted persons at the regional level by PRO 6, marking a significant accomplishment in its intensified campaign against wanted individuals.
Second Operation Yields Another Fugitive
In a separate operation, the third most wanted person of Iloilo Province, identified as alias John, a 28-year-old jobless resident of Pavia, Iloilo, was arrested at about 3:15 p.m. on the same day. The arrest occurred in Barangay Ungka 2, Pavia, Iloilo.
This operation was carried out by the Pavia MPS Tracker Team in coordination with:
- Anti-Kidnapping Group – Visayas Field Unit
- Iloilo Special Operations
- Iloilo Police Provincial Office (IPPO) Provincial Intelligence Team
The accused was arrested by virtue of a warrant issued on April 15, 2026, by the Family Court, Branch 5, Iloilo City, for statutory rape under Article 266-A (1) in relation to Article 266-B of the Revised Penal Code, as amended by RA 8353 and further amended by RA 11648. No bail was recommended for his temporary liberty.
Police confirmed that the suspect is now under the custody of Pavia MPS for proper disposition, ensuring he faces the legal process.
Call for Public Cooperation
PRO 6 reiterated its call for public cooperation in reporting fugitives, emphasizing that it remains steadfast in its mission to uphold peace, order, and justice across Western Visayas. Through sustained manhunt operations and inter-agency coordination, the series of arrests highlights the continued focus of law enforcement units on apprehending wanted persons involved in serious offenses, particularly those affecting women and children.
The successful operations demonstrate the effectiveness of collaborative efforts in combating crime and protecting vulnerable members of society.
