Police Regional Office 6 Nabs Two Most Wanted Suspects in Coordinated Western Visayas Operations
In a significant breakthrough for law enforcement in the region, the Police Regional Office in Western Visayas (PRO 6) successfully apprehended two of the area's most wanted persons in separate, well-coordinated operations conducted on February 3, 2026. The arrests targeted individuals facing serious charges related to crimes against women and children, underscoring the police force's intensified campaign to bring wanted criminals to justice and enhance community safety across the provinces of Capiz and Iloilo.
Details of the Capiz Arrest: Second Most Wanted Suspect Captured
The first operation led to the arrest of Capiz Province's second most wanted individual, a 33-year-old farmer identified by the alias Necanor. He was taken into custody at approximately 2:25 p.m. in Barangay Poblacion Ilawod, Dumarao, Capiz. Authorities executed a warrant of arrest issued by the Regional Trial Court, Branch 14, in Roxas City, Capiz, which charged him with two counts of statutory rape and one count of lascivious conduct.
These charges fall under Article 366 of the Revised Penal Code, in relation to Section 5(b) of Republic Act 7610, as amended by RA 11648. The court set stringent bail conditions, recommending no bail for the statutory rape charges and a bail amount of ₱180,000 for the lascivious conduct charge. This arrest involved a collaborative effort among multiple police units, including:
- The Dumarao Municipal Police Station (MPS)
- The 2nd Capiz Provincial Mobile Force Company (CPMFC)
- Tracker Team B of the Capiz Provincial Intelligence Unit (CPIU)
- The Provincial Intelligence Team of Capiz
- The Regional Intelligence Unit (RIU) in Western Visayas
Police confirmed that the suspect was properly informed of the charges against him and his constitutional rights before being placed in custody for case disposition.
Iloilo Operation: Tenth Most Wanted Suspect Apprehended
In a parallel operation later that day, police in Iloilo captured the province's tenth most wanted person, who also held the top spot on the municipal level's wanted list. The suspect, known by the alias Herald, is a 38-year-old laborer and resident of San Enrique, Iloilo. He was apprehended at around 10:30 p.m. in Sitio Atangan, Barangay Garita, San Enrique, Iloilo.
The arrest was based on a warrant issued by the Regional Trial Court, Branch 6, in Dumangas, Iloilo, on December 16, 2025. The charge stems from acts of lasciviousness under Article 336 of the Revised Penal Code, in relation to RA 7610. The court set a recommended bail of ₱200,000 for temporary liberty. Personnel from the San Enrique MPS conducted the operation and subsequently turned the suspect over to the concerned court for legal proceedings.
Police Leadership Commends Efforts and Reaffirms Commitment
Police Brigadier General Josefino Ligan, the regional director of PRO 6, praised the arresting units for their diligence and coordination in both operations. Following the Capiz arrest, he emphasized in a statement, "This arrest reflects the unwavering commitment of our police force to uphold the rule of law and ensure public safety. It is the result of sustained intelligence work, close coordination, and the dedication of our personnel on the ground."
He added, "We assure the public that PRO 6 remains steadfast in pursuing wanted individuals and will continue to intensify operations to bring criminals to justice and maintain peace and order in our communities." After the Iloilo arrest, Ligan reiterated this commitment, noting, "This accomplishment reflects the effective coordination and relentless efforts of our units on the ground. We assure the public that we will continue to intensify operations against wanted individuals to ensure a safer and more secure community for all."
Broader Implications and Future Directions
These arrests are part of PRO 6's broader, intensified operations targeting wanted persons throughout Western Visayas. The strategy involves enhanced coordination among various police entities, such as municipal police stations, provincial intelligence units, mobile force companies, and the Regional Intelligence Unit. Police leadership has highlighted that such operations remain a top priority to strengthen public safety and maintain peace and order across the region.
Authorities reported that both operations proceeded smoothly, with no untoward incidents occurring during the arrests. Both suspects are currently under police custody and are expected to face their respective charges in court. PRO 6 has announced plans to further strengthen intelligence-driven operations and inter-unit coordination, with a particular focus on locating and apprehending individuals with standing warrants, especially those involved in crimes against women and children.
This development underscores the ongoing efforts of law enforcement in Western Visayas to combat serious crimes and protect vulnerable members of the community, reinforcing the message that justice will be pursued relentlessly in the region.
