Tuburan Police Apprehend Top 5 Regional Most Wanted Suspect in Barangay Colonia
In a significant law enforcement operation, personnel from the Tuburan Municipal Police Station successfully apprehended a Top 5 Regional Most Wanted Person on Thursday, February 5, 2026, at approximately 2:00 PM. The arrest took place in Barangay Colonia, within the municipality of Tuburan, and was executed based on a valid warrant of arrest issued by the court for charges of rape.
Suspect Details and Legal Proceedings
The captured individual, identified by the alias Ondo, is a 37-year-old resident of the same barangay. Under the leadership of Police Major Joffre Grande, the Tuburan police secured a copy of the arrest warrant, which was issued by Honorable Judge Judilyn Hugo Tapia-Menchavez, the Presiding Judge of the RTC Family Court, Branch 8 in Toledo City. The warrant pertains to two counts of rape and two counts of sexual assault filed against Ondo.
Regarding bail provisions, the charges carry strict conditions:
- For the rape cases, no bail is allowed, reflecting the severity of the offenses.
- For the sexual assault charges, the suspect is permitted to post bail valued at P120,000 for each count, totaling P240,000 if applicable.
Background of the Case and Arrest Operation
According to Police Major Grande, the alleged rape incident occurred back in 2023, involving a victim who is the grandchild of Ondo's 60-year-old neighbor. After the crime was committed and formal charges were filed, a court warrant was issued, prompting Ondo to flee the area and go into hiding to evade capture.
The breakthrough came on February 5, 2026, when the Tuburan police received credible information indicating that the suspect had returned to the locality. This intelligence prompted an immediate and well-coordinated operation, which culminated in the successful apprehension of Ondo without incident.
Allegations and Defense
Ondo is accused by a 16-year-old girl, who is the granddaughter of his 60-year-old neighbor, of committing rape against her. However, the suspect has strongly denied these allegations. In his defense, Ondo claims that during the time and night when the victim reported the assault, he was actually with his neighbor, suggesting an alibi.
Despite his denials, formal charges were pursued against him. It is reported that his neighbor advised him to leave the area temporarily while the case remained unresolved, which may have influenced his initial disappearance. The arrest marks a critical step in ensuring justice for the victim and upholding public safety in the community.
