Iloilo's 10th Most Wanted Fugitive Apprehended in Barotac Nuevo Operation
A 33-year-old man, identified only by the alias Steph and listed as the 10th most wanted person in Iloilo province, was successfully arrested by police operatives on Monday, February 16, 2026. The arrest took place at approximately 2:45 p.m. in Barangay Agcuyawan Calsada, located within the municipality of Barotac Nuevo, Iloilo.
Details of the Arrest and Criminal Charges
The suspect, a resident of Barotac Nuevo, was taken into custody by the tracker team from the Barotac Nuevo Municipal Police Station (MPS). He faces a total of eleven criminal charges, which include:
- Four counts of violation of Section 5(b) of Republic Act (RA) 7610, also known as the Special Protection of Children Against Abuse, Exploitation and Discrimination Act.
- Seven counts of statutory rape by carnal knowledge under Article 266-B of the Revised Penal Code, in relation to RA 7610.
An arrest warrant for the individual was issued by the Regional Trial Court, Branch 6, in Dumangas, Iloilo, on January 21, 2026. At the time of his apprehension, authorities informed the suspect of the nature of his arrest and his constitutional rights, ensuring proper legal procedures were followed.
Police Commendation and Legal Proceedings
Police Brigadier General Josefino Ligan, the regional director of the Police Regional Office in Western Visayas (PRO 6), praised the operating team for their successful arrest. In a statement, Ligan emphasized the significance of this operation, stating:
"This arrest highlights the unwavering commitment of our police personnel to enforce the law and protect our communities. This accomplishment reflects the dedication, vigilance, and strong coordination of our operatives in ensuring that justice is served. We remain resolute in our mission to track down fugitives and maintain peace and order in our region."
According to court records, the judicial system has set stringent bail conditions for the suspect. For each of the four counts of sexual abuse under RA 7610, the court recommended a bail amount of P200,000. However, no bail was recommended for the seven counts of statutory rape by carnal knowledge, indicating the severity of these charges.
Current Status and Case Disposition
The arrested individual is currently under the custody of the Barotac Nuevo MPS, where he awaits the proper disposition of his case. This arrest marks a significant step in law enforcement efforts to address serious crimes in the region, particularly those involving child abuse and sexual offenses.
The operation underscores the ongoing collaboration between local police units and judicial authorities in Iloilo to apprehend wanted individuals and uphold justice. As the case progresses, further updates are expected regarding court hearings and legal outcomes.
