Four-Year Manhunt Ends: Regional Top 8 Most Wanted captured in Bulanao, Tabuk

Tabuk City, Kalinga – A regional top most wanted person facing rape charges was arrested in Tabuk City on Tuesday, February 17, after eluding authorities for more than four years.

The suspect, who is from Balbalan, was apprehended in Purok 6, Bulanao, after police served a warrant of arrest issued by the Regional Trial Court, Branch 25, in Bulanao, Tabuk City.

He was listed as the Top 8 Most Wanted Person in the Cordillera region for the first quarter of 2026. The suspect is facing a rape case involving a minor and had reportedly evaded arrest for over four years.

According to Kalinga police, the operation was made possible through close coordination with the Local Government Unit of Balbalan, headed by Mayor Almar Malannag, and other police authorities.

Kalinga Police Provincial Director PCol. Gilbert Fati-ig acknowledged the support of the Balbalan and Tabuk LGUs, which resulted in the resolution of a case pending for four years. He added, “This is a clear message that no one can hide forever from the long arm of the law.”

In 2025, the Women and Children Protection Desk - Kalinga recorded 25 reported rape cases, lower than the 30 cases documented in 2024. Despite the decrease, rape remained among the most reported index crimes, or crimes against persons and property, in the province last year.