TACLOBAN CITY – In a major boost to its anti-criminality campaign, the Police Regional Office 8 (PRO 8), under the leadership of PB/ Gen. Jason Capoy, arrested three of the region’s most wanted persons in separate operations conducted on September 22, 2025.
In Barugo, Leyte, joint operatives of the Barugo Municipal Police Station (MPS) and the 2nd Leyte Provincial Mobile Force Company (LPMFC) arrested alias “Roy,” 47, listed as Leyte’s Rank 3 provincial most wanted person. A resident of Barangay Cabolo-an, Barugo, he was nabbed in Barangay Bulod by virtue of a warrant of arrest issued on June 11, 2025, for two counts of statutory rape, with no bail recommended.
On the same day, Ormoc City Police Station 3 (OCPS3), in coordination with Merida MPS, apprehended “Noel,” 22, Leyte’s Rank 8 provincial most wanted person, in Barangay Liloan, Ormoc City. The construction worker from Barangay Hinagbuan, Palompon, was served a warrant of arrest for statutory rape issued on September 19, 2025, also with no bail recommended.
Meanwhile, operatives from Saint Bernard Municipal Police Station tracked down and arrested alias “Rick,” 61, Southern Leyte’s Rank 6 provincial most wanted person, along Bulungan Avenue, NFPC, Barangay NBBN, Navotas City. The fisherman from Barangay Lipanto, Saint Bernard, was arrested by virtue of a warrant for acts of lasciviousness issued on July 23, 2024, with bail set at P180,000.
Capoy commended the coordinated efforts of PRO 8 units and local police stations that led to the arrests. “Their commitment to upholding the rule of law and ensuring public safety continues to make a significant impact in our fight against criminality in the region,” he said.
All three suspects are now in police custody and will be turned over to the issuing courts for further proceedings.
(LIZBETH ANN A. ABELLA)
