ZAMBOANGA CITY – Authorities have arrested Zamboanga Sibugay’s most wanted person in a manhunt operation in Maguindanao del Norte, a top police official said Tuesday.
Col. Eduard Mallo, Zamboanga Sibugay Police director, said Cipriano Espolong was arrested in Barangay Upper Dinganen, Buldon, Maguindanao del Norte at about 4:45 p.m. on Monday.
Espolong, 53, who is No. 1 on the list of most wanted persons in the province, has a standing warrant of arrest for three counts of rape with no recommended bail, issued by the court in Imelda, Zamboanga Sibugay earlier this month.
Mallo said Espolong was arrested in a joint operation conducted by policemen of Zamboanga Sibugay and Maguindanao after it was confirmed he was hiding in the area.
Recovered from his possession was a homemade 12-gauge shotgun loaded with three pieces of ammunition.
Espolong fled to Buldon after an arrest warrant was issued against him. (PNA)
