PRO-9 cops arrest suspect wanted for rape, other high-profile crimes

COTABATO CITY — Police are now in custody of a man long wanted for multiple rape cases, large-scale drug trafficking, illegal possession of unlicensed firearms and harboring fugitives.

Officials from Police Regional Office-9 and the Zamboanga Sibugay Provincial Police Office confirmed on Tuesday, April 29, that the suspect is now in detention, awaiting the litigation of multiple cases filed against him in various courts.

Local officials told reporters that the detained suspect, who faces rape charges pending in court, is known in Ipil for his involvement in large-scale shabu distribution in the town and nearby areas.

He was cornered by operatives from various PRO-9 units on Friday, April 25, in Purok Saging, Barangay Tenan, Ipil, the capital of Zamboanga Sibugay.

Brig. Gen. Roel Rodolfo, director of PRO-9, said police seized two .45 caliber Colt pistols and an M67 fragmentation grenade from the suspect.

He added that the operation, which led to the suspect's arrest, was carried out with the assistance of local executives.