Negros occidental: The top and fifth most wanted persons in the Negros Island Region, charged for rape and murder respectively, were arrested in separate manhunt operations in Negros Occidental over the weekend.

According to Philippines News Agency, the Police Regional Office-Negros Island Region (PRO-NIR) reported that the most wanted person, alias "Mar," 20, is facing six counts of rape with no recommended bail. The accused, a resident of Barangay II in La Carlota City, was served a warrant of arrest by a joint police team at Villa Caridad Subdivision in Barangay III around 10:40 a.m. on Saturday. He allegedly engaged in repeated sexual intercourse with his minor girlfriend at his residence, which reportedly resulted in the victim's pregnancy.

PRO-NIR Director Brig. Gen. Romano Cardi±o emphasized, "The arrest of the regional number one most wanted person sends a clear message that no fugitive can outrun the law. We will continue to intensify manhunt operations to ensure that those accused of serious crimes are brought to justice."

In a separate operation around the same hour in Barangay E. Lopez, Silay City, joint police operatives arrested 47-year-old alias "Al," a suspected gun-for-hire from Barangay Purisima, Manapla in northern Negros. Charged with murder, he was allegedly involved in a drug-related shooting in Silay City in 2024. Police records also indicated he was arrested for violation of the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act in nearby Victorias City in 2022.

Cardi±o stated, "Every successful arrest of a wanted person contributes to the administration of justice and the safety of the community. We are committed to enforcing the law and ensuring that wanted persons are held accountable."