ORMOC CITY – Police in Naval, Biliran arrested the province’s No. 5 most wanted person in a statutory rape case during a joint operation on Sunday, July 21, 2025.
Authorities apprehended Jovanie Oriendo, 25, a resident of Barangay Ilawod, Caray-Caray, Naval, at around 11:35 a.m. in Sitio Bliss, Barangay Calumpang. The arrest was carried out by the Naval Municipal Police Station, in coordination with the Biliran Provincial Intelligence Unit, Regional Intelligence Unit 8, and the PIDMU Tracker Team.
Oriendo was arrested based on a warrant issued on July 18 by Executive Judge Luz Petilla Navarrete of the Regional Trial Court, Branch 16, 8th Judicial Region in Naval.
He is charged with one count of statutory rape under Article 266-A(1)(d) of the Revised Penal Code, as amended by Republic Acts 8353 and 11648 (Criminal Case No. N-4819). The warrant specified no bail recommended.
Following his arrest, Oriendo was brought to the Naval Municipal Police Station for booking and legal processing.
Police Regional Office 8 Regional Director Brig. Gen. Jay Cumigad commended the swift, intelligence-driven operation.
“This arrest underscores our unwavering commitment to intensified law enforcement and our aggressive campaign against wanted fugitives,” Cumigad said. “We will continue our efforts until every criminal is brought to justice.”
The successful operation is part of PRO-8’s strengthened anti-criminality campaign, which emphasizes inter-agency coordination, intelligence-led policing, and community involvement.
Authorities encourage the public to report information on fugitives through the PNP hotline, local police stations, or PRO-8’s official social media pages.
(ELVIE ROMAN ROA)
