In a single day of relentless pursuit, authorities under the Police Regional Office 12 (PRO-12) successfully arrested four of the region’s most wanted individuals, all charged with rape and other sexual offenses, during separate police operations conducted on April 10, 2025.
In Polomolok, South Cotabato, joint operatives from the Polomolok Municipal Police Station, Provincial Intelligence Unit, 1st and 2nd Provincial Mobile Force Companies, Regional Intelligence Division 12, and DI-MAPIO arrested alias “Gaspar,” a 40-year-old resident of Sitio Montaño, Barangay Naci, Surallah, South Cotabato. “Gaspar,” tagged as the Top 8 Most Wanted Person at the regional level, was apprehended in Sitio View, Barangay Lumakil, Polomolok, for the crime of Statutory Rape by Sexual Assault. He is currently in the custody of Polomolok MPS for documentation and proper disposition.
On the same day, in Sitio Cogonal, Barangay Topland, Koronadal City, a separate joint operation led to the arrest of alias “Tatang Eric,” a 63-year-old farmer. The suspect, also listed as the Top 8 Most Wanted Person at the regional level, was charged with violations of Republic Act 7610, or the Special Protection of Children Against Abuse, Exploitation, and Discrimination Act, as well as Republic Act 8353, the Anti-Rape Law of 1997. “Tatang Eric” was taken into custody by Koronadal City Police Station for proper processing.
Meanwhile, in Purok Cento 1, Barangay Palavilla, Lutayan, Sultan Kudarat, personnel from Lutayan Municipal Police Station, the 1st Provincial Mobile Force Company, and CIDG Sultan Kudarat Provincial Field Unit apprehended alias “Epi,” 62, for Acts of Lasciviousness in relation to RA 7610, and Statutory Rape. “Epi” was listed as the Top 10 Most Wanted Person Regional Level and is now under the custody of Lutayan MPS.
Rounding out the day’s operations, authorities in Barangay Poblacion, M’lang, Cotabato, arrested alias “Bong-bong,” 33, a resident of Purok 8, Barangay New Esperanza. “Bong-bong,” also tagged as the Top 10 Most Wanted Person Regional Level, was apprehended for Statutory Rape under Article 266-A of the Revised Penal Code, as amended by Republic Act 11648. He is currently detained at M’lang Municipal Police Station.
Police Regional Director PBGEN Arnold P. Ardiente lauded the coordinated efforts of the operating units, saying:
“The successful arrests are the results of sustained intelligence sharing, teamwork, and determination to deliver justice, especially for women and children, who are among the most vulnerable members of our community. PRO-12 remains committed to tracking down fugitives and ensuring that those accused of heinous crimes are held accountable.”
These back-to-back arrests highlight PRO-12’s continuing campaign to create safer communities by bringing fugitives to justice.