By I. Inojales | 07:22 PM July 13, 2025
BOHOL, Philippines — In a series of coordinated law enforcement operations, the Bohol Police Provincial Office (BPPO) successfully arrested 13 individuals, including several of the province’s most wanted persons, across different towns on July 11, 2025.
Among those apprehended was Neri Olarita Mejoy, alias “Felipe Neri,” a 64-year-old resident of Dagohoy town. Mejoy, tagged as the Top 3 Most Wanted Person at the Regional level, was arrested by Dagohoy Police Station in Purok 1, Barangay San Miguel, Dagohoy, by virtue of a warrant for 58 counts of statutory rape. No bail was recommended for his case.
In Bilar town, authorities arrested Eustaquio Amba, 79, listed as the Top 1 Most Wanted Person at the City level. He faces multiple charges, including qualified rape, acts of lasciviousness, and lascivious conduct. His warrants were issued by a court in Taguig City.
In Ubay, Noel Rotol, 21, also known as “Nowel Abad,” was captured by Alicia Police Station operatives for violating the Anti-Online Sexual Abuse or Exploitation Materials (CSAEM) Act (RA 11930). No bail was recommended.
Another arrest was made in Alburquerque, where Gesila Quintana, 51, was apprehended for illegal gambling activities (RA 9287), with a bail set at ₱60,000.
In Maribojoc, Julius Itol, alias “Titing,” 41, was arrested for theft, a case pending since 2008, with a ₱10,000 bail recommended.
Meanwhile, in Tagbilaran City, Karl William Galinato, 38, a delivery rider, was apprehended for estafa with a ₱72,000 bail.
In Carmen town, Romel Gabiola, alias “Gamay,” 50, was arrested for a murder case dating back to 2001 in Guimaras. No bail was recommended.
Another high-profile arrest was made in Guindulman, where Jefferson Sy, alias “Pablo,” 36, listed as the Top 8 Most Wanted Person at the Provincial level, was captured for violating Sections 5 and 11 of RA 9165 (Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002).
Later that evening, Maribojoc police also nabbed Franklin Balagas, 19, tagged as Top 10 Most Wanted Person (Provincial Level), and Francisco Balagas, 48, Top 1 Most Wanted Person (Municipal Level), both charged for Violation of Section 10(A) of RA 7610 (Child Abuse Law).
In Candijay, Inabanga Police Station operatives arrested Letecia Alegado, 55, a barangay councilor, for swindling with an ₱18,000 bail.
Finally, in Guindulman, Christopher Eugenio, 39, Top 3 Most Wanted Person (Municipal Level), was captured for theft, with bail set at ₱28,000.
The BPPO confirmed that all operations complied with the Supreme Court’s Rules on the Use of Body-Worn Cameras and Alternative Recording Devices (A.M. No. 21-06-08-SC) during the execution of arrest warrants.
Police Colonel Arnel B. Banzon, BPPO provincial director, lauded the teamwork and coordination of municipal stations, regional intelligence units, and partner police units in Metro Manila for these successful operations.
“These arrests demonstrate our unwavering commitment to bringing wanted criminals to justice and maintaining peace and order in Bohol,” Banzon said in a statement.
The arrested individuals are now under the custody of their respective police stations pending proper disposition and court proceedings.
