Police Capture Three High-Profile Fugitives in Western Visayas Operations
Law enforcement authorities in Western Visayas have successfully apprehended three individuals classified as most wanted persons in separate coordinated manhunt operations conducted across Iloilo and Antique provinces from February 8 to February 10, 2026. The arrests represent a significant breakthrough in the region's ongoing anti-criminality campaign, targeting suspects accused of serious offenses including human trafficking and multiple counts of rape.
Top-Ranked Human Trafficking Suspect Apprehended in Iloilo
The highest-profile arrest involved a suspect identified only as alias Dan, a 43-year-old businessman from Dumangas, Iloilo, who ranked as the fifth most wanted person in Western Visayas. Police personnel captured Dan at 7:58 a.m. on February 10, 2026, in Barangay San Julian, Badiangan, Iloilo, following an operation conducted by multiple police units.
Dan faces three counts of violating Section 4(a) in relation to Section 6 of Republic Act 9208, commonly known as the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act of 2003, as amended by subsequent legislation. The arrest warrant was issued by the Regional Trial Court, Sixth Judicial Region, Branch 6 in Dumangas, Iloilo, on January 20, 2026, with the court recommending no bail for the suspect.
Police Brigadier General Josefino Ligan, regional director of the Police Regional Office in Western Visayas (PRO 6), praised the operating units for their dedication and emphasized the importance of community cooperation in such successful operations. "The Police Regional Office 6 reaffirms its firm commitment to peace and security following the arrest of one of the region's most wanted persons," Ligan stated, highlighting the collaborative effort between police personnel and local residents.
Second Suspect Arrested for Statutory Rape Charges
In a separate operation within Iloilo province, tracker teams from the Miagao Municipal Police Station apprehended alias Ronnie, a 59-year-old individual listed as the seventh most wanted person at the provincial level and fifth at the municipal level in Miagao. The arrest occurred at 1:45 p.m. on February 8, 2026, in Barangay Guibongan, Miagao, Iloilo.
Ronnie was taken into custody based on an arrest warrant for statutory rape under the Revised Penal Code, as amended, in relation to Republic Act 7610. The warrant was issued by the Regional Trial Court, Sixth Judicial Region, Branch 72 in Guimbal, Iloilo, on February 3, 2026, with no bail recommended for the suspect.
General Ligan underscored the significance of this arrest in protecting vulnerable community members. "This successful operation reflects the unwavering commitment of PRO 6 to pursue wanted persons and uphold the rule of law," he declared, assuring the public of continued intensified efforts to ensure community safety.
Third Fugitive Captured in Antique Province Operation
The Municipal Tracker Team of the Barbaza Municipal Police Station in Antique province executed another successful manhunt operation, resulting in the arrest of alias Nardo, a 20-year-old resident of Barangay Mayabay, Barbaza, Antique. Nardo, listed as the ninth most wanted person in the province, was captured at 10:57 p.m. on February 9, 2026, in Barangay Cubay, Barbaza, Antique.
The suspect faces two counts of rape under Article 266-A 1(D) of the Revised Penal Code, as amended by Republic Act 11648. An arrest warrant was issued by the Regional Trial Court, Sixth Judicial Region, Branch 64 in Bugasong, Antique, on February 9, 2026, with no bail recommended for the charges.
General Ligan commended the Barbaza police for their effective operation, noting that "this arrest reflects the unwavering commitment of our police personnel to pursue justice and protect the community, especially in cases involving heinous crimes."
Police Reiterate Commitment to Anti-Criminality Campaign
All three suspects remain in police custody at their respective municipal police stations for proper case disposition and further legal proceedings. Authorities have reiterated that intensified manhunt operations continue to be a priority for PRO 6 as part of its comprehensive anti-criminality campaign.
Police officials have urged the public to maintain cooperation with law enforcement agencies by providing timely and accurate information regarding the whereabouts of wanted persons. This collaborative approach between police forces and community members has proven instrumental in the recent successful operations across Western Visayas.
