CABANATUAN CITY – Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, the Nueva Ecija police proved that it really means business when some 23 wanted felons were nabbed during a one-day implementation of the police’s intensified Simultaneous Anti-Criminality and Law Enforcement Operations (SACLEO) in the province on Thursday.
Among those nabbed were two most wanted persons facing separate charges for rape and violation of Republic Act 9262 or the Violence Against Women and Children Act of 2004.
The suspects were caught during the conduct of separate “Oplan Charlie” manhunt operations in Piddig, Ilocos Norte and Talugtug, Nueva Ecija, respectively, said Col. Marvin Joe C. Saro, provincial police officer-in-charge.
Saro identified the arrested duo as Jorge Abasta, 22, and Rodel Buquis, 33, of Bgy. Quirino, Talugtug.
Abasta was tagged as the top 3 Sibat Target Phase 1-2019 and top 6 MWP for 3rd quarter of 2019-Phase 1 of the Sto. Domingo PNP under Major Abraham Atencio. He was collared at his hideout in Bgy. 15, Maruaya at 3 a.m.
His arrest warrant for three counts of rape with no bail recommended was issued by Regional Trial Court Judge Anarica J. Castillo-Reyes, of Branch 88, Baloc in Sto. Domingo.
Meanwhile, Saro said Buquis was nabbed after authorities raided his hideout in Bgy. Quirino, Talugtug and served an arrest warrant for violation of Republic Act 9262 issued on Sept. 27, 2019 by Regional Trial Court Judge Richard D. Mordeno, of Branch 22 in Cagayan De Oro City with a recommended bail of P72,000.
Saro said Buquis was listed as Talugtug’s top 5 most wanted person.
The NEPPO chief said his men also implemented the service of arrest warrants against 21 other suspects facing various criminal offenses ranging from estafa, violations of RA 9262, RA 9165, homicide, frustrated homicide, rape, attempted rape, theft, and reckless imprudence resulting in physical injury and damage to property.
