In a significant law enforcement breakthrough, the Lemery Municipal Police Station has successfully apprehended the fourth most wanted criminal in the entire Western Visayas region during a targeted operation in Iloilo.
Successful Police Operation
The arrest occurred around 11:23 a.m. on November 11, 2025 in Barangay Poblacion South East Zone, Lemery, Iloilo. The Lemery MPS Tracker Team, under the leadership of Officer-in-Charge Police Captain John P. Robles, captured the suspect known by the alias Xan, a 26-year-old construction worker from Barangay Gerongan in Lemery, Iloilo.
The operation was conducted by virtue of an arrest warrant issued for the serious crime of attempted murder. The legal basis stems from Article 248 in relation to Articles 6 and 51 of the Revised Penal Code.
Regional Police Leadership Applauds Achievement
Police Colonel Bayani Razalan, director of the Iloilo Police Provincial Office (IPPO), expressed strong commendation for the Lemery Municipal Police Station following their successful operation.
In his statement delivered in Hiligaynon, Colonel Razalan declared: "Ginadayaw ko gid ang Lemery MPS sa ila madinalag-on nga operasyon sa pagdakop sang Top 4 Regional Most Wanted Person sang Western Visayas. Padayon ang aton mabaskog nga kampanya angut sa pagpangsikop sang mga wanted person nga nagahukmong sa aton probinsya."
He further emphasized the continuation of their strong campaign targeting wanted persons who pose threats to provincial security.
Legal Proceedings and Regional Recognition
The arrest warrant was officially issued on November 6, 2025, by the Presiding Judge of the Regional Trial Court, Branch 66, Sixth Judicial Region in Barotac Viejo, Iloilo. The court set the recommended bail amount at P120,000 for temporary liberty.
The suspect held significant positions on multiple most wanted lists, ranking as:
- Seventh at the municipal level
- Eighth at the provincial level
- Fourth at the regional level in Western Visayas
Police Brigadier General Josefino Ligan, regional director of the Police Regional Office in Western Visayas (PRO 6), also praised the operating units for their accomplishment.
General Ligan stated: "This is just one of the many significant accomplishments that demonstrates our unwavering commitment to justice and public safety. This achievement reflects the dedication, professionalism, and persistence of our personnel in ensuring that fugitives are brought to account for their crimes for a safer Western Visayas for the generations to come."
The arrested individual remains in the custody of Lemery Municipal Police Station awaiting proper legal disposition, marking another step forward in the region's ongoing campaign against criminal elements.
