Iloilo: Police in Western Visayas are intensifying efforts to track down more than 10,000 wanted persons in the region, including those facing serious criminal charges, the Police Regional Office in Western Visayas (PRO-6) said Monday. PRO-6 director Brig. Gen. Randulf Tua±o reported that police arrested 328 wanted persons last month across Western Visayas, including Negros Occidental and Bacolod City.

According to Philippines News Agency, the arrests represented 29.56 percent of the region's monthly operational target of 1,110 cases, placing PRO-6 at the top of the national performance ranking. Tua±o shared this information during a media interview on the sidelines of his command visit to the Iloilo Police Provincial Office headquarters in Sta. Barbara. He emphasized strengthening tracker teams, noting the significance of each arrest in resolving pending cases.

Tua±o highlighted that some of the individuals being pursued face charges including murder, homicide, and rape. He stated that PRO-6 gives immediate attention to all warrants of arrest regardless of the severity of the case, aiming to provide justice to victims. He credited the arrests to close coordination between police tracker teams and local government units.

PRO-6 records indicate that 10,141 wanted persons remain on its list, with 294 classified as most wanted and 9,847 as other wanted individuals. Iloilo province accounts for the highest number at 3,451, followed by Iloilo City with 2,813, Capiz with 1,637, Antique with 1,198, Aklan with 763, and Guimaras with 279.

During his visit to the Iloilo police provincial headquarters, Tua±o led the inauguration of Baganihan Hall, honoring fallen Ilonggo police heroes. He recognized police personnel and units for their accomplishments, including operations against illegal drugs. The Medalya ng Kadakilaan was awarded to several officers for their service. Tua±o also addressed concerns raised by the provincial police command during the visit.