Police authorities apprehended three of the province’s most wanted persons in separate manhunt operations conducted in a one-way sweep in two towns.
The June 4, 2026 crackdown on individuals sought by the courts based on standing warrants if arrest began in San Miguel town, where the local police collared an 18-year-old suspect tagged as Catanduanes; No. 4 Provincial Most Wanted Person (PMWP).
He faces three counts of Statutory Rape, defined as engaging in sexual intercourse with a child below 16 years old, with no bail recommended.
Another team composed of elements of the Catanduanes 1st Provincial Mobile Force Company (PMFC) and the Bato Municipal Police Station captured a 48-year-old man who is No. 4 on the PMWP list and also charged with statutory rape.
Also arrested by the same team was a 35-year-old individual, No. 2 on the same list, who has been accused of four counts of the same offense.
The three wanted persons, whose names were not divulged, all surrendered peacefully to the arresting officers.
If they are found guilty after trial, they could be penalized with reclusion perpetua or imprisonment of up to 40 years, depending on the aggravating circumstances.
Longer jail time could be imposed if the offender is a parent, step-parent, guardian, relative by consanguinity or affinity up to the third civil degree, or the common-law spouse of the parent of the victim; if the offender is a member of the clergy or a teacher, or any person who has moral ascendancy or influence over the victim; if the victim is under the custody of any public officer; if the rape is committed in full view of the victim’s family members or others; if the victim suffers permanent physical or mental disability; and, other circumstances that indicate extreme moral depravity on the part of the offender.
The Catanduanes Police Provincial Office (CatPPO) assured the public that while the constitutional rights and due process of the accused will be protected, the law will take its course. The command also urged community members to stay vigilant against all forms of abuse.