Fugitive farmer who evaded arrest for 3 decades nabbed in Nueva Ecija

After evading arrest for over three decades, a farmer wanted for murder was finally apprehended by Eastern Police District (EPD) operatives and District Special Operations Unit (DSOU) during a manhunt operation in Purok 6 Luwasan, Pinanggaan, Jaen, Nueva Ecija on Friday, March 28.

DSOU chief Maj. Emerson Coballes identified the suspect as "Rogelio," 55, listed as the Top 1 Most Wanted Person of the EPD and the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO).

He was arrested by virtue of a warrant of arrest issued by the Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 71 in Pasig City on Feb. 4, 2025.

Police said Rogelio was involved in a 1992 brawl in Oranbo, Pasig City, where a man was stabbed to death.

Three suspects from the brawl were acquitted, and five were issued warrants of arrest. Investigators are still searching for the suspects at large.

Rogelio is currently under the custody of the Pasig City Police Station.

EPD district director Col. Villamor Tuliao commended the police operatives for their successful operation.

“Ang pagkadakip ng Top Most Wanted Person na ito ay isang patunay sa aming mahigpit na kampanya laban sa kriminalidad. Saludo ako sa dedikasyon ng ating kapulisan sa kanilang sinumpaang tungkulin, sa kabila ng mapanganib at buwis buhay na paglilingkod sa bayan (The apprehension of this Top Most Wanted Person is proof of our strict campaign against criminality. I salute our police for their dedication to their sworn duties, despite the danger and life-threatening situations just to serve our people),” Tuliao said. (Vincent Brian Gutierrez)