Police Regional Office-Bicol (PRO-5) spokesperson Lt. Col. Maria Luisa Calubaquib (PNA file photo)
LEGAZPI CITY – The regional police have rounded up the five most wanted persons in Bicol under its relentless drive against criminality and violence.
Police Regional Office-Bicol (PRO-5) spokesperson, Lt. Col. Maria Luisa Calubaquib, on Tuesday said policemen armed with court-issued warrants arrested the suspects facing charges of rape, an act of lasciviousness, murder, and qualified rape in separate operations.
"The suspects were apprehended in different police operations from October 1 and 2," Calubaquib said in an interview.
In Albay, one of those apprehended was Eusebio Ollano Jimenez Jr. alias "ALPAWR", allegedly a member of the New People's Army (NPA), 52, and the No.1 most wanted in Bicol facing 53 counts of rape.
He was arrested by the operatives at Sitio Lilibdon, Barangay Ma-Ogog, Jovellar, Albay.
Another NPA member who has been hiding for eight years was also apprehended in Barangay Naga in Tiwi, Albay.
"The offender named as Joseph Gigante alias “Boyet/Ka Jerome”,39, single, padyak (pedicab) driver, resident of Barangay Umabay Exterior, Mobo, Masbate and a member of Larangan 2 Komite ng Probinsya 4 under “Ka Mao” operating in 2nd District of Masbate," Calubaquib said.
The suspect is listed as the No. 4 most wanted in the Bicol region.
Gigante was held for the case of murder and the warrant of arrest was issued by the Regional Trial Court, 5th Judicial Region, Branch 44, Masbate City dated April 24, 2014.
In Legazpi City, apprehended was William Alarzar, 47, of Purok 3 Barangay 28 Victory Village.
He is listed as the No. 9 regional most wanted person, facing criminal charges two counts of qualified rape with no bail recommended for each case.
In Catanduanes, nabbed was Gilbert Ariola Tria, 32, of Barangay Dogui Too, Virac town, who is No. 10 on the regional list of most wanted persons for the crimes of acts of lasciviousness and rape with no bail recommended.
Meanwhile, personnel of the Polangui municipal police station also in Albay province arrested the No. 3 regional most wanted person identified as Eduardo Belmonte Bellen, 41, of Sitio Luya, Barangay Gamot in Polangui town.
“True to the oath we have made, we will relentlessly endeavor to find and place under our custody the individuals who have erred and taken advantage of the weak. We will ensure that justice is served in the shortest time possible," said Brig. Gen. Rudolph Dimas, PRO5 director, in a statement. (PNA)
