LIAN, Batangas — Authorities have arrested a 42-year-old farmer, long listed as a Regional Most Wanted Person, in a police operation in Sitio Baldeo, Barangay Sandiego, Lian, Batangas. The suspect, known by the alias “Berto,” was apprehended around 9:30 a.m. on February 2, 2026, in a coordinated effort by the Nasugbu Municipal Police Station.

The arrest was executed under a Warrant of Arrest issued by the Regional Trial Court, Branch 14, Nasugbu, Batangas, for a rape case dated September 24, 2003. No bail was recommended for the suspect. Police confirmed that the suspect was properly informed of his legal rights during the operation, which was documented using an Alternative Recording Device to ensure transparency. Legal documents are now being prepared for the return of the warrant to the court of origin.

The arrest underscores the challenges of pursuing justice in long-standing cases, particularly those involving violent crimes. While the law ultimately caught up with the suspect after nearly 23 years, the case also raises concerns about delayed justice and its impact on victims and communities. Long delays in resolving criminal cases can prolong trauma and erode public confidence in the justice system, highlighting the importance of efficient law enforcement and court processes. This operation also illustrates how persistent policing and proper coordination between local authorities and the courts can bring high-profile fugitives to justice. However, it leaves a lingering societal question: When justice takes decades to arrive, can it ever truly heal the wounds left behind? (Larawan mula sa: Nasugbu MPS / Facebook; India Lawyers / Google)