Police Regional Office 12 (PRO 12) successfully arrested three individuals listed among the region’s Top 10 Most Wanted Persons in a series of coordinated law enforcement operations on March 20, 2025. The fugitives, all wanted for serious criminal offenses, were apprehended in separate locations across Sultan Kudarat, South Cotabato, and Cotabato.
Arrest in Sultan Kudarat
At around 11:12 AM in Purok Waya-Waya, Barangay Poblacion, Lambayong, authorities apprehended alias “Dandan,” a 44-year-old farmer from Purok Masagana, Barangay Lilit, Lambayong. The operation was led by the Lambayong Municipal Police Station, in coordination with various law enforcement units, including the Provincial Intelligence Unit and Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) 12.
The arrest was executed based on a warrant issued by the Regional Trial Court, 12th Judicial Region, Branch 20 in Tacurong City on March 5, 2025. Alias “Dandan” faces charges of Statutory Rape, with no bail recommended, along with two counts of Rape by Sexual Assault, each with a bail set at Php120,000. Following his arrest, he was placed in police custody for proper disposition.
Arrest in South Cotabato
Later that day, at approximately 5:00 PM, police authorities arrested alias “Dre,” a 22-year-old student from Sitio Damasco, Barangay Centrala, Surallah, South Cotabato. Personnel from Surallah Municipal Police Station, the Provincial Intelligence Unit, and other specialized units executed the operation.
Alias “Dre” was apprehended by virtue of a Warrant of Arrest for Rape issued by the Regional Trial Court, 12th Judicial Region, Branch 44 in Surallah, dated March 18, 2025. The warrant had no bail recommendation. He was subsequently transported to the CIDG South Cotabato PFU Office in Koronadal City for processing and legal proceedings.
Arrest in Cotabato
Earlier in the morning, at around 9:40 AM, law enforcement officers in M’lang, Cotabato, successfully arrested alias “Jes,” a 43-year-old farmer from Purok 2, Barangay Tibao, M’lang. The arrest was conducted by personnel from the M’lang Municipal Police Station, Cotabato Police Provincial Office, and CIDG 12.
Alias “Jes” was wanted for Rape under a Warrant of Arrest issued by the Regional Trial Court, 12th Judicial Region, Branch 16 in Kabacan, Cotabato, dated August 29, 2024. No bail was recommended for his temporary release. Following the arrest, the suspect was taken into police custody for further legal action.
PNP PRO 12’s Commitment to Justice
PBGEN Arnold P. Ardiente, Regional Director of PRO 12, commended the coordinated efforts of the police units involved in these successful operations. “These arrests are a testament to our relentless pursuit of justice and our commitment to protecting our communities from lawless elements. We will continue to intensify our operations against fugitives and ensure that they face the full force of the law,” he stated.
The Philippine National Police urges the public to remain vigilant and cooperate with authorities in tracking down wanted individuals to maintain peace and security in the region.
