TWO significant police operations in Iloilo on December 12, 2024, led to the arrest of a most-wanted individual in Tigbauan, Iloilo, and a dismissed police officer in Balasan, Iloilo, demonstrating the intensified efforts of law enforcement in the region.
The Tigbauan Municipal Police Station (MPS), in collaboration with the 1st Iloilo Provincial Mobile Force Company (IPMFC), apprehended a man identified as alias Anton, 43, at Barangay Bagacay, Tigbauan, Iloilo, at 9:01 p.m.
The suspect, listed as the fourth most-wanted person at the regional level, was arrested by virtue of warrants of arrest issued by the Regional Trial Court Branch 72 in Guimbal, Iloilo.
The charges against him include violations of Republic Act (RA) 10591, or the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act of 2013, with bail set at P120,000, and Presidential Decree 1866, as amended by RA 9516, for which no bail was recommended.
These charges stem from an earlier case in which a loose firearm and an explosive were recovered from his possession. He is currently in the custody of Tigbauan MPS.
Iloilo Police Provincial Office (IPPO) Director Police Colonel Bayani Razalan commended the team’s efforts and urged public cooperation.
“This successful police operation demonstrates our unwavering commitment to apprehend individuals who pose a significant threat to the safety and security of our communities. Let this serve as a clear message to all fugitives: the long arm of the law will reach you, and there will be no safe haven for lawbreakers in Iloilo,” Razalan said.
Razalan urged the Ilonggos to maintain cooperation and vigilance in their shared mission to ensure the safety and security of the province.
Meanwhile, in a separate operation, a buy-bust conducted by the Balasan MPS and the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency in Western Visayas (PDEA 6) led to the arrest of a dismissed police officer known as Tampol, 31, at Sitio Malbog, Barangay Tingui-an, Balasan, Iloilo, at 10:40 p.m.
Recovered during the operation were 66 grams of suspected shabu valued at P448,800, a .38 caliber revolver with five live ammunition, and various non-drug items.
Alias Tampol, a former recruit of the Philippine National Police (PNP) Batch 2018, was dismissed from service in 2020 due to the illegal discharge of a firearm and has a pending case for violation of RA 10591.
Intelligence reports indicate that his illegal drug supply originates from Metro Manila, and he has been operating in Balasan and nearby towns.
He is currently detained at the Balasan MPS Custodial Facility and will face charges for violations of RA 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, and RA 10591.
Razalan expressed the PNP’s resolve to uphold the law without exception.
“The rule of law applies to everyone, including former colleagues who have chosen to violate it. This arrest serves as a stark reminder that the Philippine National Police (PNP) does not tolerate any wrongdoing, especially by those who were once part of our ranks,” Razalan said.
Razalan pledged to continue their relentless campaign against illegal drugs and criminality to protect their communities. (Leo Solinap/SunStar Philippines)
