DILG’s most wanted person arrested in Davao de Oro

DAVAO CITY — Romeo Mamat Raloos, also known as “Dingcal,” was apprehended in Purok 5, Kahayag, New Bataan, Davao de Oro. He is listed as a National Most Wanted Person by the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG).

Raloos has an outstanding murder warrant (Criminal Case No. 46,765-2001), issued on October 10, 2003, by Hon. Wenceslao E. Ibabao, Presiding Judge of the Regional Trial Court, 11th Judicial Region, Branch 16, Ecoland, Davao City. The warrant carries no bail recommendation.

Raloos is implicated in the murder of Police Officer 1 (PO1) Jorge Sapero, a member of the Philippine National Police (PNP) assigned to the Regional Intelligence Division.

The incident occurred on January 7, 2001, in Kabayan Relocation, Tibungco, Davao City. PO1 Sapero was responding to a distress call from a resident known as “Mermer,” who reported harassment by Raloos and six other individuals. Upon arrival, PO1 Sapero was violently attacked and killed.

After the murder, most suspects were apprehended, but Raloos managed to evade capture for years. Reports indicate that he joined the New People’s Army (NPA) in Davao de Oro, complicating efforts to locate him. Raloos was subsequently listed as a DILG National Most Wanted Person, with a reward of Php 75,000 for information leading to his arrest, per DILG Memorandum Circular No. 2002-39.

The operation to apprehend him was conducted by a joint team from the Provincial Intelligence Team (PIT) of Davao Occidental, led by PCol Ryan Bobby C. Paloma, in coordination with the Regional Intelligence Division (RID) of PRO 11, directed by PCOL Christopher M. Bermudez.

The New Bataan Municipal Police Station and the Davao de Oro Police Provincial Office also participated under the supervision of PBGEN Leon Victor Z. Rosete, Acting Regional Director of PRO 11. The operation was based on intelligence gathered by the RIU 11 Davao Occidental.

Raloos is currently in custody at the New Bataan Municipal Police Station, where he is undergoing documentation and legal processing.

This operation reflects the guidance of PBGEN Rosete, who has emphasized a strong focus on police operations, including executing arrest warrants. The successful capture underscores the dedication of law enforcement agencies to ensure justice and hold fugitives accountable.

PBGEN Leon Victor Z. Rosete commended the participating units for their effective operation, highlighting the PNP PRO 11’s commitment to combating criminality and maintaining peace and order in the region.