By Jennifer P. Rendon
One of Western Visayas’ most wanted individuals was arrested during a police operation on the evening of December 12 in Tigbauan, Iloilo.
Alias Anton, 43, a resident of Barangay Buyu-an, Tigbauan, was apprehended in Barangay Bagacay.
The Tigbauan Municipal Police Station, in coordination with the 1st Iloilo Provincial Mobile Force Company, carried out the arrest for Anton’s violation of Republic Act 10591 (Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act). The case is filed under Criminal Case Number 4239.
A PHP120,000 bail was recommended for his temporary release.
Anton is also facing a separate charge for violating Republic Act 9516 (Illegal Possession of Explosives), docketed under Criminal Case Number 4240.
No bail was recommended for the explosives-related charge.
The cases stemmed from the discovery of an unregistered firearm and an explosive in Anton’s possession.
Anton is listed as the fourth most wanted individual in Region 6.
Following the arrest, Colonel Bayani Razalan, Iloilo police chief, urged the public to continue supporting efforts to maintain peace and safety in the province.
“This successful police operation demonstrates our unwavering commitment to apprehending individuals who pose a significant threat to the safety and security of our communities,” Razalan said.
He added that Anton’s arrest sends a clear message to fugitives that the law will eventually catch up with them.
“There will be no safe haven for lawbreakers in Iloilo,” he said.
Razalan called on the Ilonggo community to remain vigilant and cooperative in the shared mission of ensuring the province’s safety and security.
