South Cotabato, Philippines — The Police Regional Office 12 (PRO 12) achieved a significant breakthrough in its anti-criminality efforts with the apprehension of two of the region’s most wanted individuals in separate manhunt operations conducted on November 15, 2024.
In Sto. Niño, South Cotabato, law enforcement officers from Police Station 10, General Santos City Police Office (GSCPO); Sto. Niño Municipal Police Station (MPS); and the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) 12 Regional Special Operations Team arrested alias “Toto,” a 20-year-old laborer from Barangay Calumpang, General Santos City. The arrest was made by virtue of a warrant issued by Judge Jerome Clarin Beatisola of Family Court, 12th Judicial Region, Branch 11, General Santos City, on November 11, 2024.
“Toto” faces two counts of statutory rape under Article 266-A, Paragraph 1(D) of the Revised Penal Code, as amended by Republic Acts 8353 and 11648, with Criminal Case Nos. 24-37531 and 24-37532. No bail was recommended. The suspect is currently in the custody of Police Station 10, GSCPO, for proper disposition.
In a separate operation, PRO 12 operatives apprehended alias “Pili,” a 56-year-old farmer from Barangay Pacao, Alamada, Cotabato Province. Personnel from Alamada MPS, the 2nd Provincial Mobile Force Company, CIDG North Cotabato, and the Regional Special Operations Group 12 executed the arrest.
“Pili” is charged with rape under Criminal Case Nos. 24-310 and 24-312, and statutory rape by sexual assault (two counts) under Criminal Case No. 24-311. The warrants were issued by Judge Jose T. Tabosares of the Regional Trial Court, Branch 24, Midsayap, Cotabato, on October 21, 2024. While no bail was recommended for the rape charges, a bail of PHP 120,000 was set for the statutory rape by sexual assault case. The suspect was informed of his constitutional rights in his native dialect and is now under the custody of Alamada MPS for documentation and proper disposition.
PBGEN James E. Gulmatico, Officer-in-Charge of PRO 12, commended the successful operations, underscoring the office’s dedication to justice and community safety.
“At Police Regional Office 12, we are dedicated to ensuring accountability for every crime. Our outstanding commitment drives us to relentlessly pursue fugitives and uphold justice,” said Gulmatico.
He added, “This arrest highlights that the fight for peace and order extends beyond our streets and into the very heart of our homes. We remain steadfast in our commitment to protecting every aspect of our community’s safety and security.”
The simultaneous arrests underscore PRO 12’s unwavering commitment to its intensified campaign against wanted persons, ensuring that justice prevails for victims and communities alike.
