Western Visayas' Top Most Wanted Person Captured in Iloilo Operation
In a significant law enforcement breakthrough, the Police Regional Office in Western Visayas (PRO 6) successfully apprehended the region's top most wanted person during a targeted operation in Iloilo province. The arrest marks a crucial victory for authorities pursuing individuals accused of serious crimes.
Late-Night Arrest in Balasan Municipality
The operation unfolded at approximately 10:25 p.m. on February 6, 2026, in Barangay Poblacion Sur, Balasan, Iloilo. Police personnel from the Balasan Municipal Police Station executed the arrest following extensive intelligence coordination and careful validation efforts that pinpointed the suspect's exact location.
The apprehended individual has been identified as a 46-year-old married farmer known as alias Enteng, who resides in Barangay Bacolod within the same municipality of Balasan, Iloilo. Authorities took him into custody based on an active warrant for the grave charge of qualified rape.
Legal Basis and Judicial Proceedings
The arrest warrant stems from allegations under Articles 266-A and 266-B of the Revised Penal Code, specifically in relation to Republic Act 7610, which provides special protection for children against abuse, exploitation, and discrimination. The Regional Trial Court, Sixth Judicial Region, Branch 70, located in Barotac Viejo, Iloilo, issued this warrant on January 13, 2026.
Notably, the court has recommended no bail for the accused, indicating the serious nature of the charges. Following his apprehension, the suspect was transported to the Balasan Municipal Police Station where he remains under custody for proper documentation and procedural requirements before being formally turned over to the judicial system.
Police Leadership Commends Successful Operation
Police Brigadier General Josefino Ligan, the regional director of PRO 6, publicly praised the operating unit for their effective work in capturing the fugitive. He emphasized the broader implications of this arrest for law enforcement efforts across the region.
"The arrest of the top most wanted person at the regional level sends a powerful message that the law will eventually catch up with fugitives, regardless of how much time passes," General Ligan stated. "PRO 6 remains unwavering in our mission to protect vulnerable members of society, uphold the rule of law, and ensure that perpetrators of heinous crimes face justice through proper legal channels."
Continued Commitment to Public Safety
The regional police office has reaffirmed its dedication to intensifying manhunt operations against remaining fugitives throughout Western Visayas. This ongoing initiative aims to enhance public safety and reinforce community confidence in law enforcement agencies.
This successful apprehension demonstrates the effectiveness of coordinated intelligence efforts and persistent police work in addressing serious criminal cases within the region.
