Two rape suspects arrested in Western Visayas

By Jennifer P. Rendon

Two of the most wanted persons in Western Visayas were arrested in separate operations, police said.

The suspects, identified only by their aliases, were “Ariel,” 50, a laborer and resident of Ajuy, Iloilo, and “Nonoy,” 17, a student from San Remigio, Antique, both accused of rape.

Members of the Regional Mobile Force Battalion 6, together with the Lemery Municipal Police Station, the Iloilo Police Provincial Office–Provincial Intelligence Unit, the Regional Intelligence Unit 6 and the 2nd Iloilo Provincial Mobile Force Company, arrested Ariel at about 8:30 p.m. on Jan. 14 in Poblacion Southeast Zone, Lemery.

Ariel was arrested by virtue of a warrant for qualified rape of a minor issued by Branch 66 of the 6th Regional Trial Courtin Barotac Viejo on Jan. 13, 2026.

No bail was recommended for his temporary liberty.

Police said Ariel is the No. 7 most wanted person in Iloilo province.

Meanwhile, Nonoy was arrested at about 8:30 a.m. on Jan. 15 in Barangay 4, San Jose, Antique.

The arrest was carried out by members of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group – Antique in coordination with the San Remigio Municipal Police Station.

Nonoy was arrested for two counts of statutory rape based on a warrant issued by Branch 12 of the 6th Regional Trial Court in San Jose on Jan. 5, 2026.

The court recommended bail of PHP 200,000 for his provisional liberty.

Police said Nonoy is the most wanted person in San Remigio and ranked No. 6 in Antique province.