Western Visayas bizman nabbed for human trafficking

By Jennifer P. Rendon

A businessman listed among Western Visayas’ most wanted persons was arrested Feb. 10 in Barangay San Julian, Badiangan, Iloilo.

Police identified the suspect as “Jojo,” 43, a resident of Barangay Lacturan, Dumangas, Iloilo.

Members of the Badiangan Municipal Police Station arrested him at a friend’s house by virtue of a warrant of arrest.

The warrant covers three counts of violation of Republic Act 9208, or the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act of 2003, as amended by Republic Act 10364 and Republic Act 11862.

The anti-trafficking laws prohibit the recruitment, transportation, transfer, harboring, or receipt of persons for exploitation, including forced labor, slavery, involuntary servitude, and sexual exploitation.

The arrest warrant was issued Jan. 20, 2026, by the Regional Trial Court, 6th Judicial Region, Branch 6, in Dumangas.

No bail was recommended for his temporary liberty.

Police tagged the suspect as among the top five most wanted persons in the region.

Capt. Jorge Lenantud, chief of the Badiangan Municipal Police Station, said the charges were filed in Dumangas.

Lenantud said the suspect allegedly sought refuge with a friend after learning about the arrest warrant.

The suspect is now in the custody of the Badiangan Municipal Police Station and will be turned over to the issuing court for proper disposition.