Most wanted man in Santa Barbara, Iloilo arrested

THE Iloilo Police Provincial Office (Ippo) Tracker Teams arrested the most wanted person in Santa Barbara in Barangay Malusgod, Pototan, Iloilo around 10 a.m. on May 30, 2025.

Police Colonel Roland Bulalacao, officer-in-charge of the Ippo, praised the tracker teams for the successful operation.

“Our Tracker Teams showed outstanding performance and unwavering dedication in carrying out our mission,” Bulalacao said.

Bulalacao emphasized the Ilonggo cops’ commitment to apprehending fugitives, ensuring justice, and making the province safer for everyone.

The suspect, identified as alias Levi, 42, a tricycle driver and resident of Barangay Cabugao Norte, Santa Barbara, Iloilo, was temporarily staying in Barangay Barasan, Pototan when he was caught.

He was arrested on a warrant of arrest for murder issued by the Regional Trial Court Branch 34 in Iloilo City on September 12, 2022, in connection with a fatal shooting in 2019. No bail was recommended for his release.

The joint effort involved the Santa Barbara Municipal Police Station (MPS) Tracker Team, led by Police Captain Raphy Señeres, and the Pototan MPS Tracker Team, led by Police Captain Jersey Besas.

Levi was wanted for his alleged role in a shooting that took place in September 2019 in Barangay Cabugao Norte, Santa Barbara. The incident resulted in the death of the victim, and Levi had since gone into hiding.

He is now in the custody of the Santa Barbara MPS pending further legal proceedings.

The operation is in line with Ippo’s intensified campaign to bring fugitives to justice and reinforce public safety across the province of Iloilo.

Bulalacao leads the Ippo in executing strategic law enforcement initiatives, facilitated by collaboration among municipal police stations. (Leo Solinap/SunStar Philippines)