By Jennifer P. Rendon
A composite police team arrested Western Visayas’ most wanted man late in the morning on March 10 in Taytay, Palawan.
The suspect, identified as alias “Louie,” 27, of Zone 2, Barangay San Juan, Molo, Iloilo City, had been on the run for years.
Louie, who had been residing in Barangay Calawag, Taytay, was apprehended while in the town proper.
Members of the Iloilo City Mobile Force Company (ICMFC), in coordination with personnel from the Taytay Municipal Police Station, Iloilo City Police Station 4, City Intelligence Unit, Regional Intelligence Unit (RIU6-PIT Guimaras), 62nd Special Action Company-65AB PNP SAF, and Guimaras Police Provincial Office-Provincial Intelligence Unit (GPPO-PIU), carried out the operation.
Judge Regina Centenera Galang-Guarin of Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 30, Iloilo City, issued an arrest warrant for murder under Criminal Case No. 16-77084 against the suspect on May 17, 2022.
No bail was recommended for his temporary release.
Louie was accused, along with two others—one of whom was a minor at the time—of murdering Noel Martinez on Aug. 8, 2015.
Reports stated that Louie and his accomplices ganged up on Martinez, with the minor stabbing him.
As the victim tried to flee, Louie allegedly shot him.
While Martinez lay wounded, the other suspect took the same gun and shot him again, ultimately killing him.
Meanwhile, Colonel Kim Legada, Iloilo City police chief, commended the tracking teams for capturing the fugitive.
“This operation serves as a warning to the remaining outlaws: your days are numbered until we bring you to justice,” Legada said.
“To our operatives, continue your efforts in locating the remaining wanted persons in the region. This is a testament to our commitment and dedication to our sworn duty.”
The suspect is now in police custody and will be turned over to the court of jurisdiction.
