Three most wanted arrested in Negros Island Region

By Glazyl M. Jopson

BACOLOD CITY — The Police Regional Office–Negros Island Region (PRO-NIR) arrested three most wanted individuals in separate police operations in Negros Occidental on Dec. 1 and 2.

The first arrest was carried out by the Valladolid Municipal Police on Dec. 2 in Barangay Makiling, Sagay City, through a warrant of arrest for 17 counts of statutory rape and 23 counts of acts of lasciviousness.

The suspect, a 63-year-old resident of Barangay Lacaron, Valladolid, had been temporarily residing in Barangay Makiling.

Police Lt. Col. Joem Malong, spokesperson for PRO-NIR, said the suspect is ranked as the region’s top 1 most wanted person.

A PRO-NIR report stated that the accused allegedly subjected a minor to repeated sexual assault and threatened to kill her if she spoke about the incidents.

In a separate operation, police arrested a 22-year-old man from Barangay Baviera, Sagay City, who is accused of statutory rape.

According to PRO-NIR, the suspect and three co-accused allegedly took turns assaulting a minor following a drinking session.

He is listed as the top 8 most wanted person in the region.

On Dec. 1, a third suspect — a 46-year-old laborer from Barangay Mansalanao, La Castellana — was arrested in Barangay Robles.

He is facing a charge of statutory rape, with no bail recommended.

Police said the accused was a drinking companion of the victim’s father and allegedly entered the home while the minor was ill and alone.

He then reportedly raped the victim and threatened her life if she reported the assault.

He is ranked as the top 10 most wanted person in the region.

“These arrests reflect the dedication, skill, and coordination of our personnel in bringing high-value targets to justice and reinforcing public safety across the region,” PRO-NIR said in a statement.

“We urge the community to remain proactive partners in this mission by reporting suspicious activities and information on wanted individuals,” the agency added.