Captured fugitive charged in death of 5 locals in 2 northern Iloilo towns
Northern Iloilo is one less fugitive following the arrest of a feared murder suspect here. Yet another successful police operation, it was to be the culmination of months of non-stop intelligence work by police personnel of the Estancia Police Office. With local support from the community, the operating team has since been persistent in its efforts to round up criminals and criminal personalities throughout the district.
The latest to fall in the hands of government agents and authorities was Benjie Villaruel, third in the district’s list of “most wanted” persons and first in the list of Estancia, Iloilo.
Villaruel stands accused of murder and homicide and blamed on the death of at least five locals in two Northern Iloilo towns. A P50,000 reward was earlier set for information leading to his capture.
Estancia Mayor Restituto “Boy” Mosqueda confirmed the arrest saying credit goes to the renewed trust of the locals to the thrust of Estancia police in freeing the streets of thugs and criminals.
“Our ‘tracking team’ arrested Villaruel early Friday evening at Barangay Casanayan, Pilar, Province of Capiz. This is part of our aggressive manhunt operation on the north with the support of (Fifth District) Congressman Niel Tupas Jr. and Governor Niel Tupas Sr.,” Mosqueda told The News Today (TNT).
“This is one dangerous and notorious wanted person charged for murder and homicide with use of firearms killing about 5 people in Estancia and Sara, Iloilo.”
Villaruel’s arrest brought yet another feather to the cap of Mayor Mosqueda, a retired police general, particularly since peace and order was among the priorities he set when he assumed mayorship of Estancia.
The northernmost Iloilo town, Estancia is dubbed “Alaska of the Philippines” with rich bounty from the sea. Tourism efforts were also doubled under his administration saying such is necessary “to bring Estancia to greater heights.”
“We want a peaceful and safe town for our people, the district and entire province of Iloilo. One wanted person at a time and we will fully realize that dream. It is important that we rid our town and throughout Northern Iloilo district these notorious and dangerous personalities. It is also important that we take an active role in ensuring that the hands of justice works here and help bring them back to face their accusers in Court,” Mosqueda said.
Estancia Police Office is led by Police Inspector Dwight Fonte Jr.