Esperanza, Sultan Kudarat – May 12, 2025 — A joint law enforcement operation led by the Sultan Kudarat Police Provincial Office (SKPPO) resulted in the successful arrest of a wanted individual shortly after casting his vote at Daladap Elementary School Polling Center in Barangay Daladap, Esperanza.
The suspect, a 20-year-old single farmer and resident of Purok Mabuhay in the same barangay, was identified as the 11th most wanted person at the municipal level. He was arrested through a warrant of arrest for two counts of carnapping under criminal case numbers 19-5307 and 19-5309. The warrant was issued by Hon. Lorenzo F. Balo, Presiding Judge of the Regional Trial Court, Branch 19, 12th Judicial Region in Isulan, Sultan Kudarat, dated July 29, 2019.
The arrest was carried out by personnel from the Esperanza Municipal Police Station (MPS), Sultan Kudarat Provincial Highway Patrol Team – HPG 12, 2nd Sultan Kudarat Provincial Mobile Force Company, 7th Infantry Battalion Alpha Company of the Philippine Army, and the Sultan Kudarat Provincial Intelligence Unit.
Authorities confirmed that the suspect was informed of his constitutional rights during the arrest. He is now in the custody of the Esperanza MPS pending further legal proceedings.
PCOL Bernard L. Lao, Provincial Director of SKPPO, praised the operatives for their professionalism and commitment despite the ongoing election duties.
“Even during the election period, the PNP does not rest in fulfilling its mandate to serve justice and maintain peace and order in our communities,” he said.
The operation underscores the continuing efforts of local law enforcement to apprehend fugitives and maintain public safety, even during critical national events such as elections.