Zamboanga city: Police field units successfully apprehended nine individuals classified as most wanted persons (MWPs) in a series of operations conducted across the Zamboanga Peninsula Region from December 8 to 13, a senior police official reported on Sunday. Brig. Gen. Edwin Quilates, director for the Police Regional Office-Zamboanga Peninsula (PRO-9), stated that those arrested are on the most wanted lists at city, municipal, and provincial levels due to serious criminal charges.
According to Philippines News Agency, the arrests underscore the ongoing efforts of PRO-9 to combat criminal activity and deliver justice to victims. Quilates emphasized the significance of these arrests, noting that one of the nine fugitives, aged 44, ranked as the Top 3 MWP at the city level, was detained for statutory rape in Barangay Sta. Isabel, Dipolog City, Zamboanga del Norte.
Quilates detailed that six of the nine apprehended individuals are recognized as MWPs at the municipal level, including the Top 2, two individuals ranked at number 4, and others at positions 7, 8, and 9. A 28-year-old suspect, classified as the second MWP at the municipal level, was captured in Barangay Cabaluay, Zamboanga City, for statutory rape and lascivious conduct.
Among the other arrests, a 37-year-old fourth-ranked municipal level MWP was apprehended for murder in Buug, Zamboanga Sibugay. Another suspect, also ranked fourth but aged 40, was arrested in Barangay Vitali for statutory rape, sexual assault, and acts of lasciviousness. Additionally, the seventh MWP at the municipal level, aged 27, was detained along Pilar Street, Barangay Zone 4, for charges including acts of lasciviousness, rape, and sexual abuse.
The eighth MWP, aged 50, was arrested in Barangay Bantayan, Sindangan, Zamboanga del Norte, for violating Republic Act 7610, related to child protection against abuse, exploitation, and discrimination. Furthermore, a 23-year-old individual ranked ninth at the municipal level was apprehended in Barangay San Roque, Zamboanga City, for robbery.
Quilates also reported that two individuals are listed as MWPs at the provincial level, including the Top 7 and 10. The Top 7 provincial level MWP, aged 27, was arrested in Barangay Poblacion, Bayog, Zamboanga del Sur, for rape. The Top 10 provincial level MWP, aged 39, was apprehended for car theft in Barangay Liyang, Dapitan City, Zamboanga del Norte.
Quilates praised the operating units for their precision, coordination, and dedication to law enforcement, highlighting the successful execution of these operations.
