By Benjamin Cuaresma
MANILA — A woman listed among law enforcement’s most wanted persons was arrested by the Manila Police District (MPD) on Sunday evening in connection with a syndicated illegal recruitment case.
Authorities identified the suspect as Mary Joy Valencia De Vera, 41, a native of Cabanatuan City, Nueva Ecija, who was apprehended at around 9 p.m. and is now under the custody of the MPD Custodial Section at the Manila Police District Headquarters along U.N. Avenue in Ermita.
The arrest stemmed from a warrant issued on June 25, 2025 by Regional Trial Court Branch 76 in Janiuay, Iloilo, presided over by Judge Gemalyn Faunillo Tarol.
De Vera is facing charges of Syndicated Illegal Recruitment under Section 6 of Republic Act No. 8042, as amended, docketed as Criminal Case No. 25-2578. The court recommended bail at ₱120,000.
Police said the warrant was served by operatives of the District Investigation and Detective Management Division’s Warrant and Subpoena Section under the supervision of senior MPD officials.
Upon her arrest, De Vera was informed of the warrant, the nature of the charges against her, and her constitutional rights in a language she understood, in accordance with legal procedures.
The operation was also documented using two separate recording devices to comply with Supreme Court Administrative Matter No. 21-06-08-SC, which requires the use of alternative recording devices during the implementation of warrants.
The suspect remains detained at the MPD headquarters while awaiting further court proceedings.
ia/xf
