Tapaz most wanted murder suspect arrested

By Felipe V. Celino

ROXAS CITY, Capiz — Police arrested the fourth most wanted person at the municipal level in Barangay Poblacion Ilaya, Tapaz, Capiz, on Sunday morning, May 31.

Maj. Gregg Anthony Salvang, Tapaz police chief, said police served an arrest warrant at about 10:30 a.m. against alias “Ipaw,” of legal age and a resident of Barangay Nayawan, Tapaz.

The suspect is facing a murder case before the Regional Trial Court Branch 21 in Mambusao, Capiz.

The warrant was issued by Judge Rommel Lacson Leonor on Dec. 2, 2024.

Salvang said police recovered a 12-gauge homemade handgun and seven live rounds of ammunition from the suspect during the warrant operation.

The court recommended no bail for the suspect’s temporary liberty.

Police records showed that the suspect had gone into hiding after the alleged incident.

He is in the custody of the Tapaz Municipal Police Station for proper disposition and court referral.

Police said additional charges for violation of Republic Act No. 10591, or the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act, would be filed against him.

Republic Act No. 10591 regulates the ownership, possession, carrying, manufacture, dealing, and importation of firearms, ammunition, and firearm parts in the Philippines.