ORMOC CITY — Police authorities arrested two most wanted persons in separate law enforcement operations conducted in Southern Leyte and Leyte on May 13 and 14, 2026.
In Liloan, Southern Leyte, personnel of the Liloan Municipal Police Station (MPS), supported by the 2nd Southern Leyte Police Mobile Force Company, arrested the Municipal Level Most Wanted Person, Rank No. 1, at around 10:30 a.m. on May 14, 2026, in Barangay Malangsa.
The suspect was identified as Dionesio Mantilla Sajol, 50, single, a laborer, and a resident of Barangay Malangsa, Liloan, Southern Leyte.
Authorities said the arrest was carried out through a warrant issued for four counts of rape under Article 266-A(1) (d) of the Revised Penal Code, as amended by Republic Act 11648, docketed under Criminal Case Nos. R-2500 to R-2503, dated May 12, 2026. The warrant was issued by Judge Fabio T. Albao Jr. of the Regional Trial Court (RTC), 8th Judicial Region, Branch 39, Sogod, Southern Leyte, with no bail recommended.
The suspect is now under the custody of Liloan MPS for proper documentation and disposition.
Meanwhile, in Leyte, operatives of the MacArthur Municipal Police Station arrested the province’s No. 4 Most Wanted Person at around 8:00 p.m. on May 13, 2026, in Poblacion District 1, MacArthur, Leyte.
The suspect was identified as Elson Estorpe, 26, single, a laborer, and a resident of MacArthur, Leyte.
Police served a warrant of arrest dated July 21, 2025, for statutory rape issued by the RTC Branch 10 in Abuyog, Leyte, also with no bail recommended.
After his arrest, the suspect was brought to the custody of MacArthur MPS for proper booking and documentation.
Authorities said both operations are part of sustained police efforts to locate and apprehend wanted persons in the region to ensure public safety and the swift administration of justice.
(ELVIE ROMAN ROA)
