‘Most wanted’ person in Central Visayas killed in police operation

CEBU, Philippines — The “Top 1 Most Wanted Person” in Central Visayas was killed after he allegedly tried to resist the operatives who served arrest warrants in Barangay Malabugas, Bayawan City, Negros Oriental on Thursday, July 31, 2023.

The slain accused was identified as Alex Mayagma, a resident of Barangay Minaba, Bayawan City in the said province.

According to Police Lt. Col. Gerard Ace Pelare, spokesperson of the Police Regional Office (PRO)-7, Mayagma has a pending warrant of arrest for four murder cases including a case of violation of Republic Act 10591 or illegal possession of firearms.

According to PRO-7 regional director, Brigadier General Anthony Aberin, they focused on the case of Mayagma, who he said was involved in the killings that happened in Negros Oriental.

On Thursday, Mayagma was cornered by a tracker team of the PRO-7 composed of various units at a farm in Barangay Malabugas.

When the operatives approached him, Mayagma reportedly pointed a weapon at the operative which resulted in grappling.

The police grabbed the weapon but Mayagma had another weapon inside a sling bag and tried to shoot the operatives again.

As a result, the police were forced to fire back in self-defense and hit Mayagma.

Allegedly, the owner of the farm was suspended Negros Oriental congressman Arnolfo "Arnie" Teves.

The police are still verifying the report and why the suspect was in the area.

“We have reports already but we are still validating kung it’s true nga nagamit pud in a previous killings si Alex Mayagma,” said Pelare

Among the things the police are tracking is whether Mayagma is related to the massacre that happened in Pamplona town where Governor Roel Degamo and eight others were killed.

“Very elusive and he knows what to do, kabalo siya unsay gibuhat in fact this is a very intricate operation, I am not at liberty to tell you what we have done but it was a mixture of traditional and modern intelligence, applying the most sophisticated technology, that is why atong regional director was very happy and he is congratulating all involved units on this very intricate police operation,” said Pelare.

The PRO-7 assured the people of Negros Oriental that they will carry out a large-scale operation to bring justice to the crimes that occurred in the province.

“This will send a strong signal sa mga katong mga nagpabilin pang nagplano nga maghimo og dautan sa Negros nga ang PRO-7 will always be watching you...This is an assurance sa mga tawo sa Negros Oriental nga ang gobyerno naglihok para mabalik ang peace and security situation sa Negros Oriental,” said Pelare. — (FREEMAN)