NINE most wanted persons (MWP) in Eastern Visayas, 8 of them in hiding from the law after being charged with rape, were hauled to jail by agents of the Police Regional Office 8 (PRO8) following a series of manhunt operations in Samar-Leyte region this week, PRO8 director, Brigadier General Bernard M. Banac told the Journal Group on Saturday.

One of the suspects identified as Archielon Liscabo, 26, an online seller, wanted for a non-bailable rape case was arrested in his residence in Bgy. Jones in Pastrana, Leyte on Thursday afternoon.

Tagged as the 4th most wanted man in Pastrana municipality, the suspect was placed under arrest on the strength of a warrant for rape issued by Judge Lolita Mercado of the Tacloban City Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 46.

The two others, both also wanted rape suspects were identified as Joel Cerna, 66, and Ernie Dotillos, 29.

Brig. Gen. Banac said that Cerna was arrested in Bgy. Ponong in Carigara, Leyte on the basis of separate warrants of arrest for rape issued by Judge Emelinda Maguilan of the Carigara RTC Br. 8 and Judge Lauro Castillo of the Carigara RTC Br. 36.

On the other hand, Dotillos was arrested in Bgy. Mazawalo in Palompon, Leyte based on a warrant for statutory rape issued by Judge Dexter Aguilar of the Palompon RTC Br. 17. Dotillos was described as the 10th most wanted man in the municipality.

The 2 others are also wanted rape suspects who have been in hiding since 2008, the PRO8 director said.

He identified the two as Elmar Ballonico, 35, and Nonito Fajardo, 33, both residents of Bgy. Chitongco in Mondragon, Northern Samar.

Tagged as the no. 1 and no. 4 most wanted persons in Mondragon town, the two have been in hiding since they were accused of raping a 16-year-old girl in 2008. Their arrest for five counts of rape was issued by the Catarman, Northern Samar RTC Br. 20.

Brig. Gen. Banac said that the 6th and 7th suspects who were considered as among Region 8’s most wanted persons were tracked down in their hiding places in Metro Manila.

He identified the two as Arnie Pontilla, 38, and Joebel Mina, 28, tagged as the 5th and 8th most wanted men in Eastern Visayas respectively until they were caught in their hiding places in Quezon City and Caloocan.

The PRO8 director said that Pontilla was arrested in his residence in Bgy. 52-B in Commonwealth Avenue, Q.C. by PRO8 and Q.C. Police District operatives.

The suspect is the subject of a non-bailable warrant of arrest for two counts of rape in relation to Republic Act 7610 or the anti-child abuse law issued by the Tacloban City RTC Br. 7.

The Palo Leyte Municipal Trial Court also recommended a P36,000 bail for the suspect in connection with a case for acts of lasciviousness filed against him.

On the other hand, Mina, the subject of a warrant of arrest for rape issued by the same Tacloban City court was arrested in Sampaloc St. in Bgy. 178, Camarin, Caloocan City by members of the Palo Municipal Police Station, the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group, and the QCPD under Brig. Gen. Remus B. Medina.

The 9th identified as Jaemar Cañete, a resident of Bgy. Tabunok in Isabel, Leyte was arrested on the basis of a warrant for a non-bailable rape case issued by Judge Mario Quinit of the Ormoc City RTC Br. 12.

The 10th identified as Pasencio Peñaranda, 66, of Bgy. Buaya, Abuyog, Leyte was arrested on the strength of a non-bailable warrant for murder issued by the Abuyog RTC Branch 10.

Banac said that the suspect has been listed as the 2nd most wanted person in Leyte before his capture in Bgy. Loyonsawang in Abuyog municipality.

Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Dionardo B. Carlos commended the PRO8 and other PNP support units for their latest feat in their campaign against wanted persons.

“There is really no substitute to intelligence-driven operations and the support of the community,” said Gen. Carlos said as he ordered all other police units to continue accounting for most wanted men in their areas and hold them accountable for their crimes.

Gen. Carlos said he has ordered a stepped-up manhunt against wanted criminals across the country to ensure that they will pay for their crimes and won’t be able to prey on other targets.