Samar’s most wanted man surrenders to authorities, says DILG

Interior Secretary Benhur Abalos speaks during the press conference held in Catarman, Northern Samar. Photo from the Department of the Interior and Local Government Facebook page

MANILA, Philippines — A fugitive tagged as the most wanted man in Samar for murder and other criminal charges voluntarily turned himself in on Sunday morning, according to the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG).

DILG chief Benjamin Abalos Jr. identified the fugitive as Jimmy Managaysay Elbano, who surrendered before the Calbayog City Police.

READ: One of DILG’s most wanted arrested in Pampanga

Abalos added that Elbano, one of the most wanted persons in the country with a P165,000 bounty on his head, has standing warrants for six counts of murder, four counts of frustrated murder, two counts of robbery with homicide, and direct assault with multiple attempted murder.

Citing the Eastern Visayas police chief, the DILG official further revealed that the 36-year-old fugitive was a farmer of Purok 3, Barangay Villahermosa, Calbayog City in Samar, who has been “subject of unified and intensified efforts” of authorities since the last quarter of 2023.

Due to these police operations, Abalos said Elbano was forced to surrender after being persuaded by his family.

“I would like to commend the Philippine National Police, Philippine Army, and the LGUs for surrendering the most wanted person here in Region 8. Malaking bagay po ito para sa katahimikan dito sa rehiyon (This will immensely help the region attain peace.),” he said in a statement on Monday.