In a significant breakthrough for regional law enforcement, the Police Regional Office in Western Visayas (PRO 6) successfully apprehended five individuals listed as regional most wanted persons (MWP) for rape. The coordinated police operations were executed simultaneously across three provinces on December 1, 2025.
Coordinated Operations Across Three Provinces
The arrests were the result of a synchronized effort by various Municipal Police Station (MPS) teams as part of PRO 6's intensified campaign to track down wanted individuals. The operations spanned the provinces of Aklan, Antique, and Iloilo, demonstrating a region-wide crackdown on serious crimes.
Police Brigadier General Josefino Ligan, the director of PRO 6, praised the operating units for their successful mission. He underscored the importance of these arrests in the broader context of community safety and justice.
"These operations reflect our unwavering commitment to protect our communities and ensure that those who prey on the innocent are held accountable," Ligan stated. "PRO 6 will continue to intensify its efforts to bring all wanted persons to justice and maintain peace and security in the region."
Details of the Apprehended Suspects
The police operations led to the capture of the following suspects, each facing serious charges:
- In Aklan: Around 9 a.m., the New Washington MPS arrested a 17-year-old laborer from Barangay Jugas. He was listed as the fifth regional MWP, wanted for statutory rape under Article 266-A(1) in relation to Article 266-B of the Revised Penal Code, as amended by Republic Act 11648. Later, at 4:05 p.m., the Batan MPS apprehended alias Tabungos, 21, in Barangay Bay-ang. Tabungos was the eighth regional MWP, also wanted for statutory rape.
- In Antique: At 12:13 p.m., the San Remigio MPS arrested alias Gogo, 29, from Barangay Poblacion. Identified as the seventh regional MWP, Gogo is facing three counts of violating RA 8353 in relation to RA 11648, or Qualified Rape of a Minor.
- In Iloilo: The Cabatuan MPS captured alias Ben, 36, from Tabucan, Cabatuan, at 12:45 p.m. in Barangay Zone II, Santa Barbara. Ben held the notorious distinction of being the first regional MWP and is confronting a staggering 55 counts of qualified rape. In a separate operation, Maasin MPS arrested alias Nonoy, 18, a student from Barangay Cananghan. Nonoy was the fourth regional MWP, wanted for three counts of statutory rape.
Ongoing Legal Process and Campaign
All five arrested individuals are currently in police custody awaiting formal turnover to the concerned courts. PRO 6 confirmed that each suspect is undergoing proper documentation and legal processing.
This successful operation is a key component of the Philippine National Police's continuing anti-crime campaign, signaling a firm stance against individuals accused of severe sexual offenses. The arrests provide a measure of justice for the victims and reinforce the message that law enforcement agencies in Western Visayas are actively pursuing those who evade the law.
