Antique Police Apprehend Province's Ninth Most Wanted Fugitive in Libertad Operation
In a significant law enforcement achievement, personnel from the Antique Police Provincial Office (Antppo) have successfully arrested the province's ninth most wanted person. The operation targeted an individual facing serious charges related to acts of lasciviousness.
Coordinated Arrest Operation in Barangay San Roque
The arrest took place on January 28, 2026, at approximately 4:00 p.m. in Sitio San Juan, Barangay San Roque, within the municipality of Libertad, Antique. The operation was conducted by a joint team comprising:
- Personnel from the Libertad Municipal Police Station (MPS)
- Members of the Provincial Intelligence Unit of the Antppo
- Officers from the 2nd Antique Provincial Mobile Force Company
Police authorities confirmed that the operation followed thorough validation of the suspect's location and verification of an existing arrest warrant issued by the judicial system.
Suspect Details and Legal Proceedings
The apprehended individual has been identified as alias Ser, a 34-year-old married male who works as a laborer and resides in Libertad, Antique. He faces four separate counts of acts of lasciviousness in relation to Section 5(b) of Republic Act 7610, which provides special protection for children against abuse, exploitation, and discrimination.
The arrest was executed based on a warrant issued and signed by the Regional Trial Court, Sixth Judicial Region, Branch 13 in Culasi, Antique on January 22, 2026. The court has set bail at P180,000 for each of the four cases filed against the accused, totaling P720,000.
During the apprehension, the suspect did not resist arrest and was properly informed of the charges against him as well as his constitutional rights, in accordance with standard police procedures.
Post-Arrest Procedures and Commendation
Following the successful operation, the suspect was transported to the Libertad Municipal Police Station for documentation and proper case disposition. He will be temporarily detained at the police station before being transferred to the issuing court in Culasi, Antique for further legal proceedings.
Police Brigadier General Josefino Ligan, regional director of the Police Regional Office in Western Visayas (PRO 6), praised the operating units for their accomplishment. In his statement, Ligan emphasized that "the successful arrest is a clear manifestation of our police officers' unwavering commitment to uphold the rule of law and protect our communities."
He further noted that "this accomplishment reflects the dedication, discipline, and teamwork of our personnel, as well as the strong support of our partner agencies and the community."
Ongoing Campaign Against Wanted Persons
The Antique Police Provincial Office highlighted that this arrest demonstrates their continuing campaign against wanted persons throughout the province. Particular emphasis is being placed on individuals accused of crimes involving children, aligning with PRO 6 directives to intensify manhunt operations and ensure fugitives face judicial proceedings.
This operation represents another step in law enforcement efforts to maintain public safety and bring those accused of serious offenses to justice within the Western Visayas region.
