Authorities have apprehended a tricycle driver who was tagged as the National Most Wanted Person (NMWP) due to five counts of rape in the province of Catanduanes.
The accused was identified as Arnel Santos, 47 years old, unmarried, a tricycle driver residing in Barangay Bagbag II, Rosario, Cavite City.
The suspect was arrested based on a warrant of arrest issued by Judge Lelu P. Contreras, former acting presiding judge of the 5th Judicial Region, Regional Trial Court, Branch 42, dated May 14, 2013.
The rape cases without recommended bail are criminal case numbers 4617, 4618, 4619, and 4621, while criminal case number 4620 has a bail set at P200,000.
The arrest of the accused was part of the intensified campaign of the PNP, achieved through the concerted efforts of CIDG Catanduanes PFU (Lead Unit), together with RIU5-PIT Catanduanes (intel packet provider), PIU, Catanduanes PPO, Catanduanes 1st PMFC, and Rosario MPS.
The accused was apprehended on July 4, 2024, at around 10 AM in Barangay Bagbag II, Rosario, Cavite.
The accused was duly informed of his rights under the law, followed by mandatory physical/medical examinations and booking procedures. The accused is now in the custody of the lead unit for appropriate disposition. (Bicol Peryodiko NewsTeam)
