Wanted Australian national nabbed in Siargao island tourist hub
CAMP RAFAL C. RODRIGUEZ, Butuan City – Police arrested a 55-year-old Australian national in Siargao island tourist hub, Surigao del Norte, police reported Saturday, Aug. 29.
Joint operatives of the General Luna Municipal Police Station (MPS) and the Surigao del Norte Tourist Police Unit (TPU) launched an intensified manhunt operation that led to the arrest of this Australian national male suspect in Sitio Santa Ines, Barangay Catangnan, General Luna town, Siargao Island, Surigao del Norte.
In his flash report to Police Regional Office 13 (PRO 13) Director Police Brig. Gen. Rolindo M. Suguilon late Friday afternoon, Surigao del Norte Police Provincial Office (PPO) Director Police Col. Warren E. Dablo, said the suspect was caught by surprise when the operating team arrived in the targeted area at 11:20 a.m. on Thursday.
The suspect was duly informed of his rights under the Miranda Doctrine and Anti-Torture Warning upon arrest, Col. Dablo said.
Police operatives served and implemented a warrant of arrest against the suspect for five counts of Violation of Republic Act 9262 (Anti-Violence Against Women and Their Children Act of 2004), under Criminal Case Numbers 26-32, 26-33, 26-34, 26-35, and 26-36.
Regional Public Information Office (RPIO) chief of PRO 13 Police Lt. Col. Jennifer S. Ometer said the warrant of arrest was issued by the Regional Trial Court, 10th Judicial Region, Branch 31, Dapa, Surigao del Norte, dated February 13, 2026 and February 18, 2026.
Initial investigation conducted by the General Luna MPS stated that the suspect allegedly committed the offenses against his wife, she said.
The suspect remains in the custody of the General Luna Municipal Police Station for appropriate disposition.
“I guarantee that the Surigao del Norte Police will not tolerate such offenses; no one, foreigner or otherwise, is above the law. We will not rest until all wanted persons are brought before the bar. We stand firm: perpetrators of these crimes shall be held fully accountable," said Col. Dablo, in a statement on Saturday.
Meanwhile, Brig. Gen. Suguilon commended the police force in Siargao Island, Surigao del Norte for their relentless pursuit of justice.
The new PRO 13 chief directed all regional, provincial and city police commanders as well provincial and city police director and municipal chiefs of police to continue without let up the extensive anti-crime operations in all corners in Northern Mindanao region under his close watch.