Aklan’s most wanted fugitive nabbed in Nueva Vizcaya

By Jennifer P. Rendon

The Police Regional Office 6’s intensified campaign against wanted persons led to the arrest of Aklan province’s No. 1 most wanted person.

Alias Rio, 41, was arrested in a manhunt operation at 10:40 p.m. on June 12 in Barangay La Torre South, Bayombong, Nueva Vizcaya.

The suspect, who was also listed as the most wanted person in Nabas, Aklan, is facing four counts of qualified rape of a minor under Article 266-A in relation to Article 266-B of the Revised Penal Code.

He is also accused of sexual assault under Article 266-A(2) of the Revised Penal Code in relation to Section 5(b) of Republic Act No. 7610, or the Special Protection of Children Against Abuse, Exploitation and Discrimination Act.

He was arrested by virtue of a warrant issued by the Regional Trial Court Branch 3 in Kalibo, Aklan, on Feb. 24, 2026.

Bail was set at PHP 200,000 for the sexual assault charge, while no bail was recommended for the four counts of qualified rape of a minor.

Investigation showed that the suspect previously lived with his partner in Nabas, where the alleged offenses were committed.

The arrest was made through the joint efforts of the Nabas Municipal Police Station, Bayombong Municipal Police Station, Aklan Police Provincial Office-Provincial Intelligence Unit, and Regional Intelligence Unit 6.

The suspect is under police custody and will be turned over to the court concerned.

The Anti-Rape Law of 1997 expanded the definition of rape under the Revised Penal Code and reclassified it as a crime against persons.

Republic Act No. 7610 provides special protection for children against abuse, exploitation, and discrimination.