ORMOC CITY — Police arrested two individuals listed among their respective provinces’ most wanted persons in separate warrant operations in Biliran and Eastern Samar on Aug. 14, 2026.
In Naval, Biliran, police arrested Jose Erwin Gelarde II, also known as “Sherwin,” 44, a single painter and resident of Naval, who was ranked No. 4 among the province’s most wanted persons.
Gelarde was arrested at about 4 p.m. in Barangay Sto. Rosario on a warrant for lascivious conduct under Section 5(b), Article III of Republic Act 7610, or the Special Protection of Children Against Abuse, Exploitation and Discrimination Act.
The warrant, dated Jan. 23, 2024, was issued by Judge Luz Petilla Navarrte of the Regional Trial Court Branch 16 in Naval, with a recommended bail of P200,000.
The operation was carried out by personnel of the Naval Municipal Police Station, Biliran Provincial Mobile Force Company, Regional Intelligence Unit, MLET Biliran and PIDMU Tracker Team.
In Jipapad, Eastern Samar, police separately arrested Rhoni Pajanustan, 19, single, a farmer and resident of the town, who was ranked No. 10 on the province’s most wanted list.
Pajanustan was arrested at about 3:40 p.m. in Barangay Roxas for statutory acts of lasciviousness under Article 336 of the Revised Penal Code.
He was arrested through an intelligence-driven operation by the Jipapad Municipal Police Station and the Provincial Intelligence Unit of the Eastern Samar Police Provincial Office.
The warrant was issued Aug. 11, 2026, by Judge Roldan Guido Alconaba Capito of the Regional Trial Court Branch 5 in Oras, Eastern Samar, with a recommended bail of P102,000.
Both suspects were brought to their respective police stations for documentation, proper disposition and further legal proceedings.
(ELVIE ROMAN ROA)
