By Jennifer P. Rendon
An Ilonggo fugitive listed among the country’s most wanted was arrested in Metro Manila on the morning of April 5.
The suspect, identified only as Jovel, 34, was apprehended at Sitio Fatima Valley 6, Barangay San Isidro, Parañaque City.
He is a resident of Barangay Cupang, Antipolo City, Rizal, and originally from Barangay Agpipili, Lemery, Iloilo.
Jovel is facing a murder charge under Criminal Case No. 2016-7792.
Judge Rogelio Amador of Regional Trial Court Branch 66 in Barotac Viejo, Iloilo issued the arrest warrant on Jan. 14, 2019.
The arrest was carried out by personnel from the Lemery Municipal Police Station, in coordination with the PNP Criminal Investigation and Detection Group Ilocos Norte Field Unit, CIDG RFU 1 RSOT, Parañaque City Police Station San Dionisio Substation 4, and the Regional Intelligence Unit–NCR.
Jovel is listed as a national most wanted person under DILG Circular 2023-185.
A reward of PHP145,000 had been offered for his arrest.
Capt. John Robles, Lemery police chief, said Jovel and his brother were both accused in a 2016 murder case.
His brother was arrested earlier on May 10, 2025.
After the incident, Jovel reportedly fled to Antipolo City and lived with relatives.
He is currently in the custody of Lemery police and will be turned over to the proper court.
