ANTIQUE — The No. 1 provincial-level most wanted person in Antique was arrested during a manhunt operation in Barangay Igpalge, Barbaza, Antique, on August 27.
Police identified the suspect only as alias “Toto,” 57, married, unemployed and a resident of Barangay Mayos, Barbaza.
The suspect was arrested at around 11:30 a.m. in Sitio Aligtos by virtue of a warrant of arrest issued by the Regional Trial Court, 6th Judicial Region, Branch 64 in Bugasong, Antique, on February 25, 2026.
The warrant was issued in connection with charges of statutory rape and violation of Section 5(b) of Republic Act No. 7610, or the Special Protection of Children Against Abuse, Exploitation and Discrimination Act. The court did not recommend bail for the charges.
The operation was led by the Barbaza Municipal Police Station, in coordination with the Provincial Intelligence Team Antique, Regional Intelligence Unit 6, Police Intelligence Unit Antique, 2nd Antique Provincial Mobile Force Company and Antique MARPSTA.
Police Regional Office 6 Director Brig. Gen. Randulf T. Tuaño said the PRO 6 would continue to intensify intelligence-driven and coordinated manhunt operations to locate wanted persons, particularly those facing serious criminal charges, and bring them before the courts.
Tuaño also urged individuals with outstanding warrants to surrender voluntarily and face their cases through the proper legal process.
The suspect is currently under the custody of the Barbaza MPS for documentation and proper disposition before being turned over to the issuing court.
PRO 6 said its intensified campaign against wanted persons forms part of its efforts to promote peace and security across Western Visayas./PN
