In a significant breakthrough for law enforcement, operatives from the Police Regional Office–Negros Island Region (PRO-NIR) successfully apprehended two of the region's most wanted fugitives in separate operations in Negros Occidental on December 2, 2025.
Major Arrests of High-Value Targets
The individuals captured were the region's first and eighth most wanted persons. Police identified the first suspect, a 63-year-old man using the alias "Mar." He is a native of Purok Sunflower, Barangay Lacaron in Valladolid but was temporarily staying in Purok Pagla-um, Barangay Makiling, Sagay City at the time of his arrest.
The second suspect, the eighth most wanted, is a 22-year-old known as "Poloy," a resident of Purok Sherman Hill, Barangay Baviera in Sagay City.
Details of the Crimes and Arrests
According to Lieutenant Colonel Joem Malong, chief of the PRO-NIR Public Information Office, the arrest of alias "Mar" was carried out by the Valladolid police. He was apprehended based on a warrant for a staggering 17 counts of statutory rape and 23 counts of acts of lasciviousness. The charges fall under the Revised Penal Code and Republic Act 7610, which protects children from abuse and exploitation.
Malong detailed that the suspect allegedly committed forcible assault against a minor victim. He is also accused of threatening to kill the victim if she ever reported the horrific incidents to anyone.
Meanwhile, alias "Poloy" was arrested by the Sagay City Police Station around 9:30 p.m. in Purok Paghidait, Barangay Baviera, Sagay City. He faces a charge of statutory rape. Police reports indicate that "Poloy" and three co-accused individuals allegedly took turns sexually assaulting a minor victim following a drinking session.
A Victory for Public Safety and a Call for Vigilance
Lieutenant Colonel Malong emphasized that the capture of these two high-profile fugitives represents a major victory in PRO-NIR's ongoing campaign against criminality. She stated that the operations highlight the dedication, skill, and seamless coordination among police personnel in pursuing and bringing high-value targets to justice.
"This accomplishment reinforces our commitment to public safety across the entire region," Malong added.
Furthermore, Malong called on the community to remain active partners in maintaining peace and order. She urged the public to report any suspicious activities or information regarding wanted individuals to the authorities.
"Together, through vigilance and cooperation, we can continue to create safer neighborhoods and ensure that peace and security prevail for every Negrense," Malong concluded.
