By Benjamin Cuaresma
MANILA — Operatives of the Manila Police District’s (MPD) Special Manila Reaction Team (S.Ma.R.T.) arrested the district’s No. 4 Most Wanted Person for August 2026 during an operation in General Trias, Cavite on Tuesday.
The suspect, Rhian Samuel Acbangin y Infante, 18, was apprehended at around 5:15 p.m. along Woodcress Phase 7, Lancaster New City, Barangay Tapia, General Trias, Cavite, and was brought to the S.Ma.R.T. office at approximately 7 p.m.
Police said Acbangin, a resident of Block II, Lot 10, Model Community, Barangay 118, Rawis, Tondo, Manila, was arrested by virtue of a warrant of arrest for murder issued by the Regional Trial Court Branch 33, Manila, presided over by Judge Edgardo Cruz Saplala.
The warrant, under Criminal Case No. R-MNL-26-03769-CR, was issued on June 22, 2026, with no bail recommended.
The operation was carried out by S.Ma.R.T. personnel led by Police Major Kevin Rey D. Bautista, assistant chief of the unit, under the supervision of Police Lieutenant Colonel Cicero M. Pura, chief of S.Ma.R.T.
Authorities said the suspect was informed of the nature of the charge against him and was apprised of his constitutional rights in accordance with Republic Act No. 7438 using the Tagalog language, which he understood. Police said Acbangin opted to remain silent.
The implementation of the warrant was likewise documented using an Alternative Recording Device (ARD), specifically a Samsung A53 mobile phone, in compliance with Supreme Court Administrative Matter No. 21-06-08-SC.
Following his arrest, Acbangin underwent a routine physical examination before being transferred to the MPD Integrated Jail, where he will remain in temporary detention pending the issuance of a commitment order by the court that issued the warrant.
Police said the arrest forms part of the Manila Police District’s intensified campaign against wanted persons and the enforcement of outstanding warrants issued by the courts.
ia/xf
