PILI, Camarines Sur — Peter Joemel “Bikoy” Advincula, the controversial figure who once dominated national headlines through the “Ang Totoong Narcolist” videos, is back in custody — this time facing serious criminal charges that go far beyond political controversy.
Advincula was arrested on February 11 in Barangay San Isidro, Pili, in an operation led by the Pili Municipal Police Station with assistance from the Highway Patrol Group. Authorities said he was apprehended in connection with a so-called “rentangay” scheme — a term commonly used to describe staged abduction setups allegedly designed to extort money.
Police said Advincula had been tagged as the third most wanted person in the municipality. According to Police Captain Junel Cea, administrative officer of Pili MPS, the arrest was made possible through coordination with a complainant who provided authorities with his exact location near a church compound.
During a brief exchange with reporters, Advincula claimed he was involved in raising funds for what he described as an “important trust fund,” insisting that the money in question was intended for a legitimate purpose. He also sought protection, alleging that powerful individuals were behind the accusations, including prominent figures in the Bicol region.
But beyond the latest allegation, law enforcement officials confirmed that Advincula was already facing a standing warrant of arrest issued on November 26, 2025 by the Regional Trial Court Branch 4 in Legazpi City. The warrant covers three counts of murder and one count of attempted murder stemming from a deadly shooting in November 2021.
The attack occurred inside an ukay-ukay shop in Barangay Busay, Daraga, Albay. The victims were Helen Garay, then a councilor running for vice mayor of Donsol, Sorsogon, and councilor candidates Xavier Mirasol and Karen Averilla. All three were killed. A fourth victim, Lalaine Amor, survived the shooting.
Although the incident took place during the politically charged period leading up to the 2022 elections, the Police Regional Office V earlier clarified that investigators found no political motive. Instead, authorities described the shooting as driven by a personal dispute, alleging that Advincula targeted the victims after Garay refused to lend him money.
Advincula was initially arrested in 2021 but later secured temporary liberty after posting bail. Police said he subsequently went into hiding in Camarines Sur, where he allegedly became involved with a group linked to carnapping activities.
The Camarines Sur Police Provincial Office described the arrest as a significant operational success, emphasizing that it reinforces ongoing efforts to pursue high-profile fugitives and strengthen anti-criminality campaigns in the region.
Advincula is currently under the custody of the Pili Municipal Police Station for documentation and processing before being presented to the court of origin. The court has recommended bail at ₱120,000 for each count related to the murder and attempted murder charges.
The arrest marks another dramatic turn in the life of a man whose name once stirred political debate nationwide — and now resurfaces under the weight of criminal prosecution in Bicol.