A 35-year-old fugitive listed as the Eastern Police District’s (EPD) Top 5 most wanted person at the district level was apprehended in Roxas City, Capiz, following a joint police manhunt operation on Thursday, September 10.
The suspect, identified by the alias “Toto,” was cornered by law enforcement officers at around 11:55 AM along San Roque Street in Barangay VII, Roxas City.
The operation was executed through a coordinated effort between the Eastern Police District Mobile Force Battalion (EPDMFB) and the Provincial Intelligence Unit of the Capiz Police Provincial Office after authorities verified the accused’s whereabouts.
The arrest was carried out under a warrant of arrest issued by Regional Trial Court Branch 168 in Marikina City for Rape under Article 266-A, Paragraph 1(d) of the Revised Penal Code, as amended by Republic Act No. 8353.
Following his arrest, Toto was brought to the Roxas City Police Station for initial documentation and booking.
He is set to be transferred to the custody of the Marikina City Police Station, where he will undergo formal legal proceedings and face court charges.
PBGEN Roman C. Arugay, EPD District Director, commended the operating units and underscored the police force’s commitment to tracking down fugitives across jurisdictional lines.
“This arrest demonstrates that the long arm of the law reaches beyond territorial boundaries,” Arugay said.
“Through close coordination with our partner units and sustained intelligence efforts, we were able to locate and apprehend a wanted person who must now answer before the courts. We will continue to intensify our campaign against fugitives and ensure that justice is served,” Arugay added.
The EPD reaffirmed that it will continue to scale up manhunt operations in coordination with regional police units to ensure individuals with standing arrest warrants are brought to justice.
