By Connie Calipay

Booking photos of arrested wanted persons for May 2026 in Bicol Region (Photo courtesy of PRO-5)

LEGAZPI CITY – The top 10 most wanted persons in the Bicol Region were arrested in a series of police operations in May, the Police Regional Office in Bicol (PRO-5) reported on Monday.

PRO-5 director Brig. Gen. Erosito Miranda said the arrested individuals were linked to heinous crimes, including murder, rape, qualified rape, statutory rape, attempted rape, and acts of lasciviousness, underscoring the gravity of the cases pursued by operating units.

“This is a victory for the victims and their families who have long sought justice. PRO-5 will continue to intensify its operations against wanted persons and criminal elements as part of our duty to maintain peace, order, and public safety in the Bicol Region,” Miranda said in a statement.

Among those arrested was “Joe,” who faces a non-bailable murder charge. The suspect, who is from Sorsogon, was apprehended in Cavite on May 5, 2026. Meanwhile, “Ric,” 47, the region’s No. 2 most wanted person and also charged with murder, was arrested on May 11.

Also arrested were “Dan,” who had been hiding in Zamboanga for four years and is facing murder charges; “Ninoy,” the No. 4 most wanted person who is also charged with murder; and “Jose,” who was arrested for three counts of rape.

Further operations led to the arrest of “Erald,” the No. 6 most wanted person, who faces two counts of rape and acts of lasciviousness; “Ron,” ranked No. 7, charged with acts of lasciviousness and qualified rape; “Thor,” ranked No. 8, charged with attempted rape and qualified rape; “Gio,” ranked No. 9, charged with acts of lasciviousness and statutory rape; and “Bert,” ranked No. 10, charged with qualified rape.

Miranda commended the operating units for their dedication, discipline, and operational effectiveness, saying the accomplishment reflects the police force’s strong resolve to uphold justice and protect the public.

Authorities assured the public that PRO-5 would continue its intensified manhunt operations against other wanted persons as part of its commitment to justice and safer communities in Bicol. (PNA)