ZAMBOANGA CITY — Police field units in the Zamboanga Peninsula Region arrested nine people listed as "most wanted persons" (MWPs) in separate operations conducted from 8 to 13 December, a top police official announced Sunday.

Brig. Gen. Edwin Quilates, director of the Police Regional Office-Zamboanga Peninsula (PRO-9), said the nine fugitives were wanted at the city, municipal and provincial levels for serious criminal offenses.

"The successful arrest of these MWPs proves the relentless campaign of PRO-9 against criminality and its commitment to ensuring justice for victims," Quilates said in a statement.

Among those apprehended was a 44-year-old man, listed as the third Most Wanted Person at the city level, who was arrested in Barangay Sta. Isabel, Dipolog City, Zamboanga del Norte, for statutory rape.

Quilates cited that six of the nine arrested were listed as municipal-level MWPs. The charges against this group ranged from statutory rape and murder to robbery.

A 28-year-old suspect, ranked second at the municipal level, was arrested in Barangay Cabaluay for statutory rape and lascivious conduct.

Two individuals ranked fourth at the municipal level were also apprehended: a 37-year-old was arrested in Buug, Zamboanga Sibugay, for murder, while a 40-year-old was detained in Barangay Vitali for statutory rape, sexual assault, and acts of lasciviousness.

Additionally, a 27-year-old, ranked seventh at the municipal level, was arrested along Pilar Street, Barangay Zone 4, on charges of acts of lasciviousness, rape and sexual abuse.