TACLOBAN CITY — Police have arrested Eastern Visayas’ No. 1 most wanted person, a suspect long sought for a string of violent crimes including three counts of murder, during a law enforcement operation in Baybay City on Saturday night, November 23.
The arrest was carried out by the 1st Leyte Provincial Mobile Force Company (LPMFC) with support from the Baybay City Police Station, Regional Intelligence Division, Leyte Tracker Team, Regional Intelligence Unit 8–Criminal Investigation Team Ormoc, and the Leyte Provincial Intelligence Unit.
The suspect, identified as alias “Matz,” 37, and a resident of Barangay Maypatag, Baybay City, was served multiple warrants of arrest issued by the Regional Trial Courts of Baybay City and Abuyog, Leyte.
The charges include three counts of murder — no bail recommended; carnapping — P150,000 bail; and frustrated murder — P100,000 bail.
Police said Matz was informed of his arrest and his constitutional rights in a language he understood before being transported to the Baybay City Police Station for documentation and disposition. He will be turned over to the respective courts of origin.
LPPO provincial director PCOL Dionisio DC Apas Jr. described the arrest as a major breakthrough in the campaign against organized and violent crime in the province.
“Apprehending the region’s top most wanted suspect marks a decisive victory in our fight against violent crime. This operation reflects LPPO’s unwavering commitment to enforce the law and ensure the safety and security of every community in Leyte,” Apas stressed.
(LIZBETH ANN A. ABELLA)
