By Ricky J. Bautista
CATARMAN, Northern Samar — Interior and Local Government Secretary Benhur Abalos disclosed on Monday that Jimmy Managaysay Elbano, notoriously known as “Bruno” and identified as Samar’s most wanted criminal, voluntarily turned himself in following relentless pursuit by law enforcement agencies.
Elbano, facing six charges of murder along with other serious offenses, surrendered to the Calbayog City Police in the early hours of Sunday morning.
Secretary Abalos underscored that Elbano is not only a prime target in Samar but also ranks among the most wanted individuals nationwide, with warrants issued against him for six counts of murder, four counts of frustrated murder, two counts of robbery with homicide, and direct assault with multiple attempted murder. A reward of P165,000 had been offered for his capture.
Commending the collaborative efforts of the Philippine National Police, Philippine Army, and local government units in the province, Abalos stated, “This is a significant step towards ensuring peace in the region.”
P/BGen Reynaldo H. Pawid, chief of PNP Region 8, revealed that Elbano, aged 36 and a farmer from Purok 3, Brgy. Villahermosa, Calbayog City, Samar, had been the subject of extensive operations by the Region 8 Peace and Order Council, PNP, and AFP since the last quarter of 2023. The intensified efforts compelled Elbano to yield to authorities, further motivated by the appeals of his family.
Meanwhile, Police Colonel Peter Uy Limbauan, the Provincial Director of Samar Police Provincial Office, extended commendations to the personnel of Calbayog City Police Station under the leadership of P/Lt. Col. Aquilino Pongcol III, Acting Chief of Police, for their exceptional performance resulting in the surrender of Bruno, considered as Top 1 wanted man in Eastern Visayas and listed as a National Level Most Wanted Person as per DILG MC No. 2023-185.
On the early morning of May 5, 2024, alias Bruno, a 36-year-old male, presented himself to a trusted individual in Barangay Villahermosa, Calbayog City, Samar, who promptly notified the Calbayog City Police Station. Officers from Calbayog CPS, 1st SPMFC, and the Regional Intelligence Division swiftly responded to the location to execute the arrest warrants of the accused.
Additionally, alias “Bruno” has been identified as the leader of a Potential Private Armed Group operating in Calbayog City and neighboring areas. In light of his involvement in multiple criminal activities, Tracker Teams from Samar PPO and PRO8, in collaboration with AFP counterparts, launched extensive operations to apprehend the fugitive. These concerted efforts compelled alias Bruno to surrender and cease evading law enforcement authorities.
“The apprehension of a notorious and long-standing fugitive is a significant milestone in the law enforcement endeavors of Calbayog City Police Station and Samar PPO,” said Col. Limbauan.
Col. Limbauan emphasized the crucial role of community cooperation in maintaining peace and order, urging unity and collaboration in upholding the tranquility of Samar Province as he reiterated the relentless efforts of the Samar police in ensuring the safety and security of all Samarnons, exemplified by the arrest of this elusive wanted individual.
