The Virac Municipal Police Station apprehended a 43-year-old unemployed Virac resident who was the No. 1 Provincial Most Wanted Person (PMWP) in connection with five counts of non-bailable rape filed against him.
The successful operation was conducted by personnel led by Chief of Police PMaj. Kenneth Ding C. Gutierrez, together with PSMS Sonny Tabuzo, Warrant PNCO PMSg. Richard Pereyra and Patrolwoman Cynthia Taule, last Oct. 9, 2026 at 7 PM in barangay Cabihian about seven kilometers from the población.
According to the police, the arrest was covered by a warrant issued by Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 42 Presiding Judge Maria Theresa A. Cerillo pursuant to Criminal Case Nos. 12010 to 12013 for five (5) counts of rape in violation of Article 266-A(1) of the Revised Penal Code, in relation to Article 266-B.
The arrest was documented using a cellphone as an Alternative Recording Device (ARD), which is allowed under Supreme Court Resolution A.M. No. 21-06-08-SC
He was later brought to the Eastern Bicol Medical Center (EBMC) for a mandatory medical examination, after which he underwent the standard booking and mugshot procedures.
Verification made by the police through the Investigation Solution Automatic Verification (ISAV) system showed that the pending cases matched the arrest warrants served on him.
Under Article 266-A (1), rape is committed by a man who shall have carnal knowledge of a woman under any of the following circumstances: through force, threat, or intimidation; when the offended party is deprived of reason or otherwise unconscious; by means of fraudulent machination or grave abuse of authority; and, when the offended party is under twelve (12) years of age or is demented, even though none of the circumstances mentioned above be present.