Iloilo farmer on most wanted list arrested for robbery

By Jennifer P. Rendon

A 29-year-old farmer accused of robbery was arrested in the late afternoon of September 16 in Lemery, Iloilo.

Members of the Barotac Viejo and Lemery municipal police stations, together with the Iloilo Police Provincial Office–Provincial Intelligence Unit (IPPO-PIU), apprehended alias Mark in Barangay Poblacion, Lemery.

Captain John Robles, Lemery police chief, said the suspect was arrested by virtue of two arrest warrants for robbery.

One warrant was issued by a court in Roxas City, Capiz, and the other by a court in Barotac Viejo, Iloilo, both dated May 19, 2025.

The suspect faces charges for robbery with violence or intimidation against persons under Article 294 of the Revised Penal Code, in relation to Republic Act 10591 (Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act).

He is listed as the top 9 most wanted person in Iloilo province and the second most wanted in Barotac Viejo town.

Major Ciriaco Esquilarga, Barotac Viejo police chief, said the suspect was charged for robbing an Indian national on February 18, 2025, in Barotac Viejo.

His alleged accomplice, identified as Jan from Barangay Bankal, Lemery, was arrested on the day of the crime after a passing police officer witnessed the incident.

Mark reportedly managed to evade arrest at the time.

According to police, a PNP member assigned at the IPPO headquarters in Sta. Barbara town was passing through Sitio Baclayan, Barangay San Juan, when he saw two men and an Indian national grappling over a bag.

The officer intervened and arrested Jan at the scene.

Mark escaped on foot toward the mountainous portion of Barangay San Juan.

The 22-year-old victim claimed to have lost around PHP 4,500 during the robbery.