Police Apprehend High-Profile Fugitives in Coordinated Western Visayas Operations
In a significant breakthrough for regional law enforcement, police operatives successfully arrested two of Western Visayas' most wanted individuals during separate manhunt operations conducted on February 11, 2026. The operations, which involved multiple police units across Iloilo and Antique provinces, resulted in the capture of the region's fourth and ninth most wanted persons, marking a substantial victory in the ongoing campaign against fugitives.
Arrest of Fourth Most Wanted Person in Iloilo
At precisely 10:14 a.m. in Barangay Poblacion Ilawod, Lambunao, Iloilo, a coordinated police team apprehended a 22-year-old male identified only as alias Patrick. This individual held the notorious distinction of being Western Visayas' fourth most wanted person, specifically sought for the serious crime of destructive arson under Article 320 of the Revised Penal Code, as amended by Presidential Decree 1613 and Presidential Decree 1744.
The arrest was executed by the tracker team of the Municipal Police Station in Lambunao, Iloilo, working in close collaboration with the Regional Intelligence Unit in Western Visayas – Provincial Intelligence Team and the Regional Intelligence Division in Western Visayas. The operation was authorized by a warrant of arrest issued on January 30, 2026, by the Regional Trial Court, Sixth Judicial Region, Branch 76 in Janiuay, Iloilo. Notably, the court denied bail for the suspect, underscoring the gravity of the charges.
Patrick, described as single and a resident of Lambunao, Iloilo, is currently detained at the Lambunao Municipal Police Station, where authorities are processing his case for proper legal disposition.
Capture of Ninth Most Wanted Person in Antique
In a parallel operation later that same day, police in Antique province arrested alias Joe, a 62-year-old married resident of Barangay Cansadan-Tubudan, San Jose, Antique. The arrest occurred at approximately 7:25 p.m. during a targeted manhunt operation. Joe was listed as the ninth most wanted person at the regional level, fourth at the provincial level in Antique, and eighth at the municipal level in San Jose.
The apprehension was carried out by operatives of the San Jose Municipal Police Station, acting on a warrant of arrest issued on January 19, 2026, by the Regional Trial Court, Sixth Judicial Region, Branch 11 in San Jose, Antique. The warrant charged Joe with three counts of violating Section 5(B) of Republic Act 7610, with the court setting bail at P10,000 for each count.
Joe is presently held at the San Jose Municipal Police Station, where he awaits proper disposition and eventual turnover to the issuing court for legal proceedings.
Police Leadership Commends Successful Operations
Police Brigadier General Josefino Ligan, regional director of the Police Regional Office in Western Visayas (PRO 6), praised the operating units for their successful arrests. In an official statement, Ligan emphasized the broader implications of these operations, stating, "This arrest sends a clear message that no fugitive can hide from the law. Our personnel remain relentless in tracking down wanted individuals to ensure that justice is served."
Ligan further highlighted the critical role of community cooperation, adding, "We thank the community for their continued cooperation and encourage everyone to remain vigilant for a safer Western Visayas." In a separate remark, he reinforced the police's commitment, noting, "This arrest demonstrates our unwavering commitment to public safety. The support of local units and law-abiding citizens is vital to achieving a safer Western Visayas. The PNP will continue to enforce the law without compromise."
Intensified Campaign Against Wanted Persons
These arrests are part of the intensified campaign launched by the Police Regional Office in Western Visayas (PRO 6) to apprehend wanted persons across the region. The PRO 6 has reiterated its call for public cooperation, urging citizens to report the whereabouts of wanted individuals and support law enforcement efforts to maintain peace and order.
The successful operations underscore the effectiveness of coordinated police work and community involvement in combating crime. As authorities continue their relentless pursuit of fugitives, these arrests serve as a stark reminder that justice will ultimately prevail, contributing to a safer and more secure environment for all residents of Western Visayas.
