Manhunt ops net Bicol’s 14 most wanted persons

By Connie Calipay

LEGAZPI CITY --- At least 14 most wanted persons were rounded up by the Police Regional Office in Bicol (PRO-5) in several manhunt operations on Wednesday.

Lt. Col. Malu Calubaquib, PRO-5 spokesperson, on Thursday said the police operations captured two most wanted persons at the regional level, four at the provincial level, and eight others on the municipal and city levels.

The arrested individuals who are wanted on the regional level are Benjamin Esmabe Jr., of San Lorenzo Ruiz, Camarines Norte. He was tagged as the 8th most wanted persons for three counts of rape with no bail recommended and Abel Altarejos, 39, second most wanted in the region for murder.

Calubaquib said Altarejos is also believed to be a member of the New People’s Army under Platoon 2, Larangan1, Komite ng Probinsya 4.

For the provincial level, police operatives nabbed Tomas Abunda, who is wanted in Masbate for rape.

In the province of Camarines Sur, policemen arrested Antonio Bobis, 41, fourth most wanted, from Zone 4, Barangay San Antonio, Tigaon, Camarines Sur. He was indicted for acts of lasciviousness with recommended bail of P200,000 and in another case for four counts of rape.

The province’s seventh most wanted is Alfredo Astor Jr., who is facing four counts of rape, also fell into the police dragnet during an intensified operation. Last is Ian Asay, 21, of Pili town, who was changed for four counts of rape.

Eight other wanted persons charged with different crimes at the municipal and city levels were also arrested. Calubaquib said the arrest of the fugitives truly demonstrates the strong resolve of the police to provide justice to the victims and promote peace in the region. (PNA)