ORMOC CITY — A 36-year-old fisherman wanted for multiple counts of alleged violation of Republic Act No. 7610 was arrested during a manhunt operation in Naval, Biliran on August 8, police said.
The suspect, a resident of Barangay Balite, Kawayan, Biliran, was arrested in Sitio Aslum, Barangay Santo Niño, Naval, by personnel of the Kawayan Municipal Police Station and other participating law enforcement units.
Police said the arrest was carried out by virtue of a warrant issued by a competent court in connection with multiple counts of violation of Section 5(b), Article III of RA 7610, or the Special Protection of Children Against Abuse, Exploitation and Discrimination Act.
The court set bail at P140,000.
The arrest resulted from a SACLEO Manhunt Operation conducted by joint law enforcement personnel, with assistance from partner agencies and information sources.
Police said the suspect was informed of his constitutional rights in a language he understood following his arrest.
He was brought to the Kawayan Municipal Police Station for documentation and proper disposition before being turned over to the appropriate judicial authorities.
Major Ian Salvador Po, officer-in-charge of the Kawayan police station, commended the personnel involved in the operation for their vigilance and professionalism.
“This successful operation demonstrates our unwavering commitment to uphold the rule of law and ensure that individuals involved in criminal activities are brought to justice,” Po said.
He added that police would continue intensifying efforts to locate and arrest individuals with outstanding warrants as part of efforts to maintain peace and order in the community.
The Kawayan police station said it would continue working with other law enforcement agencies in conducting operations against wanted persons and strengthening public safety in the municipality.
(ELVIE ROMAN ROA)
