Bicol: The top 10 most wanted persons in the Bicol Region were arrested in a series of police operations in May, the Police Regional Office in Bicol (PRO-5) reported on Monday.
According to Philippines News Agency, PRO-5 director Brig. Gen. Erosito Miranda stated that the arrested individuals were linked to crimes such as murder, rape, qualified rape, statutory rape, attempted rape, and acts of lasciviousness. The gravity of these cases underscores the seriousness of the operations conducted by the police units involved.
"This is a victory for the victims and their families who have long sought justice. PRO-5 will continue to intensify its operations against wanted persons and criminal elements as part of our duty to maintain peace, order, and public safety in the Bicol Region," Miranda said in a statement.
Among those arrested was 'Joe', who faces a non-bailable murder charge. The suspect, from Sorsogon, was apprehended in Cavite on May 5. 'Ric', 47, the region's No. 2 most wanted person, also charged with murder, was arrested on May 11.
Other arrests include 'Dan', who had been hiding in Zamboanga for four years and is facing murder charges; 'Ninoy', the No. 4 most wanted person charged with murder; and 'Jose', arrested for three counts of rape.
Further operations led to the arrest of 'Erald', the No. 6 most wanted person, facing two counts of rape and acts of lasciviousness; 'Ron', ranked No. 7, charged with acts of lasciviousness and qualified rape; 'Thor', ranked No. 8, charged with attempted rape and qualified rape; 'Gio', ranked No. 9, charged with acts of lasciviousness and statutory rape; and 'Bert', ranked No. 10, charged with qualified rape.
Miranda commended the operating units for their dedication, discipline, and operational effectiveness, stating that the accomplishment reflects the police force's strong resolve to uphold justice and protect the public.
Authorities assured the public that PRO-5 would continue its intensified manhunt operations against other wanted persons as part of its commitment to justice and safer communities in Bicol.
