CAMP ALAGAR, Cagayan de Oro City— Personnel of Bukidnon Provincial Intelligence Unit (PIU), together with Bukidnon 1st Provincial Mobile Force Company, Bukidnon Provincial Drug Enforcement Unit, Criminal Investigation and Detection Group Bukidnon, and personnel of Compostella Municipal Police Station Davao de Oro successfully apprehended the Top 1 Most Wanted Person at Regional Level (MWP) during a joint Police operation in Purok 1, Poblacion, Compostela, Davao De Oro on February 2, 2025.
The accused, identified as Miguel Ariola Silva Jr., 59 years old, is the incumbent Municipal Mayor of Pangantucan, Bukidnon, and a candidate for Governor of the Province of Bukidnon. He was arrested by virtue of a Warrant of Arrest for two counts of Sexual Assault (Criminal Case Nos. 44520-24 and 44521-24), as well as Statutory Rape (Criminal Case No. 44522-24) issued on December 10, 2024. the warrant set a recommended bail of Php100,000.00 for sexual assault charge, while the statutory rape charge is non-bailable.
Upon his arrest, the accused was informed of his constitutional rights in accordance with proper legal procedures. He will be turned-over to the issuing court for proper disposition.
PBGEN JAYSEN C DE GUZMAN, Regional Director of Police Regional Office 10 (PRO10), commended the joint operating units for their outstanding collaboration and diligence in carrying out the operation.
“This successful arrest highlights the commitment of our personnel to uphold the law, regardless of an individual’s status or position. We remain steadfast in our mission to ensure that justice is served.”
This operation is the result of months of intelligence gathering and careful planning by regional and local police forces. The arrest is considered a significant milestone in the ongoing efforts to uphold justice and accountability, particularly when it involves individuals in positions of power. ###
SOURCE: RPIO PRO10
