Police captures two ‘most wanted’ rape suspects in Leyte

The Leyte police on Wednesday arrested two individuals on the Most Wanted Persons (MWP)-provincial level list in separate operations, the Philippine National Police (PNP) said.

The suspects were identified as Joel Dela Lauron Cerna, 66 years old and 7th on the MWP-provincial level list; and Ernie Pacala Dotillos, 29 years old and ranked 10th.

Citing the reports of PNP Regional Office 8 Director Police Brigadier General Bernard Banac, PNP Chief Police General Dionardo Carlos said that Cerna was arrested by authorities at around 10:45 a.m. in Barangay Ponong Carigara, Leyte.

Cerna was captured through a warrant of arrest issued by the Carigara, Leyte Regional Trial Court’s (RTC) Presiding Judges Hon. Emelinda Maquilan and Hon. Lauro Andres Castillo for violation of Section 5 (B) of Republic Act 7610, rape with no bail recommended.

Meanwhile, Dotillos was nabbed by authorities at 12:10 p.m. in Barangay Mazawalo, Palompon, Leyte by virtue of a warrant of arrest issued by Palompon, Leyte RTC Presiding Acting Judge Hon. Dexter Aguilar for the crime of statutory rape with no bail recommended.

“I am highly confident to say that joint efforts and strategies to arrest most wanted persons have been successful as replicated in our latest police operational accomplishments," Carlos said.

"With all this hard work, I am optimistic that we will effectively address criminality and further achieve our goal of ensuring the safety and security of our people,” he added. — Giselle Ombay/BM, GMA News