A 69-year-old widower, identified as the most wanted person at the provincial and municipal levels and third most wanted at the regional level, was arrested by the Poro Municipal Police Station on Tuesday, June 16, 2026, at around 10:30 a.m. in Eastern Poblacion, Poro town, Camotes Islands.
The suspect, known only by the alias “Al,” is a resident of Barangay West Poblacion, Poro. Police received intelligence that he had been spotted purchasing basic necessities in the area.
Authorities had been searching for Al for an extended period after Judge Denah Jane Gaceta-Portugal of Regional Trial Court Branch 92 in Toledo City issued a warrant for his arrest on January 27, 2026. The warrant was in connection with a rape case and carried no recommended bail.
According to police, after learning that charges had been filed against him, the suspect went into hiding in forests and mountainous areas. He would occasionally come down to town to buy supplies. Over time, he became familiar with the terrain, allowing him to evade authorities by frequently changing locations.
However, when he recently descended to town to purchase rice, a concerned citizen immediately informed the police, leading to his arrest in Eastern Poblacion.
After the arrest, Cebu Provincial Police Director Police Colonel Abubakar Mangelen Jr. commended the personnel of the Poro Municipal Police Station for their successful operation. Mangelen emphasized the importance of sustained intelligence operations and effective coordination among police units.
“The successful arrest of a high-value wanted person underscores the unwavering commitment of the PNP to ensure that fugitives are brought to justice regardless of how long they evade arrest. We remain steadfast in our mandate to uphold the rule of law and protect our communities,” Mangelen said.
Mangelen assured the public that the Cebu Provincial Police Office will continue to strengthen its intelligence-driven operations. He also encouraged citizens to assist law enforcement by reporting information on the whereabouts of wanted individuals to help ensure their arrest and the proper administration of justice.
