The Police Regional Office (PRO)-5 has arrested 106 wanted persons in the Bicol Region during intensified manhunt operations from September 7 to 13, 2025, including two of the region’s most wanted.

According to PRO-5, of those arrested, 16 were listed at the municipal level, four at the city level, six at the provincial level, two at the regional level, and 78 others wanted in different parts of the region.

One of the most notable arrests was that of alias “Wil,” 54, ranked No. 2 on the Regional Most Wanted Persons list.

He was apprehended on September 12 in Barangay Malobago, Daraga, Albay, by personnel of the Daraga Municipal Police Station. A warrant of arrest was issued against him for three counts of rape, which are non-bailable, and for qualified rape by sexual assault with a recommended bail of P200,000.

The following night, on September 13, joint police operatives captured alias “Romy,” 37, the region’s No. 3 most wanted person, in Barangay Pag-asa, Labo, Camarines Norte.

He was arrested by virtue of a warrant of arrest for murder. Both suspects underwent proper documentation and medical examination before detention.

PRO-5 said the operations were part of the Enhanced Managing Police Operations (EMPO), which focuses on intelligence-driven and modern policing strategies. PRO-5 added that it supports the agenda of Acting PNP Chief PLTGEN Jose Melencio C. Nartatez, Jr.

PBGEN Nestor C. Babagay Jr., regional director of the agency, vowed to sustain the campaign, and that police would continue to work with other agencies to track fugitives and ensure safer communities in Bicol, according to PRO-5.