A 44-YEAR-OLD man tagged as the “most wanted person” (MWP) in Western Visayas was arrested by agents of the Police Regional Office (PRO) 6 in his hiding place in Hamtic, Antique, on Thursday, PRO 6 Director Brigadier General Leo M. Francisco said Saturday.

The suspect, the subject of a warrant of arrest for seven counts of qualified rape issued by Judge Jojo Cruzat of the San Jose, Antique Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 11, was tracked down in his hiding place in Barangay Poblacion 4 in Hamtic municipality, the official said.

Judge Cruzat recommended no bail for the temporary liberty of the accused last February 9, he added.

Francisco said that with the help of some informants, members of the Hamtic Municipal Police Station (MPS), the PRO 6 Regional Intelligence Division, and the Antique Police Provincial Office (PPO) arrested the suspect at 11 a.m. last Thursday.

“The suspect has evaded arrest for months by transferring to different parts of Western Visayas. However, we finally caught him with the help of informants,” the PRO 6 director said.

Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief Gen. Rodolfo S. Azurin Jr. commended the PRO 6 agents for accounting for the most wanted rape suspect and said his arrest serves as “proof” of the PNP’s steadfast dedication to ensuring the safety and security of communities.

“The public is assured that we will ensure that justice is served, and those who commit atrocious crimes such as rape will be held responsible for their crime. The PNP also encourages the community to report any dubious activities or individuals to assist in preserving peace and order,” the top cop said.

The suspect is now being held at the Hamtic police lock-up facility pending the issuance of an official jail commitment order.

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Alfred P. Dalizon