Region’s ‘most wanted man’ arrested in Iloilo

By Jennifer P. Rendon

One of Western Visayas’ most wanted persons was arrested on the afternoon of July 1 in San Dionisio, Iloilo.

Alias Mar, 31, also a resident of San Dionisio, was apprehended in Barangay Poblacion.

Members of the San Dionisio Municipal Police Station, along with the Iloilo Maritime Police Station, served several arrest warrants on the suspect.

Captain Edward Villanis, San Dionisio police chief, said Mar faces charges for five counts of lascivious conduct under Section 5 (B) of Republic Act 7610, docketed as Criminal Case Numbers 2023-10953 to 2023-10957.

He is also charged with five counts of sexual abuse under Section 5 (B) of RA 7610, docketed under Criminal Case Numbers 2023-10958 to 2023-10963.

Additionally, the suspect is accused of rape by carnal knowledge under Article 266-A, Paragraph 1 of the Revised Penal Code, docketed as Criminal Case Number 2023-10963.

Judge Oscar Leo A. Billena of the Regional Trial Court 6 (RTC-6) Branch 70, Barotac Viejo, Iloilo, issued the arrest warrants on May 30, 2024.

A P200,000 bail was recommended for each count of lascivious conduct and sexual abuse. However, no bail was set for the rape charge.

Villanis noted that the suspect ranked fifth on the most wanted list in Region 6.

There is one complainant for all the charges against Mar. The complainant is his former minor sister-in-law who filed the charges against him, prompting him to flee to Metro Manila.

Mar was later tracked back to San Dionisio, leading to his arrest. He is currently detained and will be turned over to the concerned court.