Maricar Oria

23/10/2026

23/10/2026

KIDNAP-FOR-RANSOM FUGITIVE LINKED TO ABDUCTION OF TWO CHINESE NATIONALS COLLARED IN ISABELA

The Philippine National Police (PNP), under the leadership of PNP Chief PGEN Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr., arrested a wanted suspect linked to kidnapping for ransom and serious illegal detention cases in an operation in Santa Maria, Isabela, on October 20, 2026.

The 26-year-old male suspect, known by the alias Jonie, was listed as the Anti-Kidnapping Group’s No. 6 Most Wanted Person. He was apprehended by the Anti-Kidnapping Group–Luzon Field Unit in coordination with Santa Maria Municipal Police Station, pursuant to an arrest warrant issued by the Regional Trial Court, Branch 266, Taguig City. The warrant indicated that no bail was recommended for the accused.

The suspect was linked to the alleged abduction of two Chinese nationals. His arrest marks a significant step in efforts to bring individuals facing serious criminal charges before the courts and ensure that they answer for their alleged offenses.

PGEN Nartatez reaffirmed the PNP’s determination to pursue wanted persons and strengthen accountability. “We will pursue every available lead to locate fugitives facing serious criminal charges and ensure that they are brought before the proper courts to face the law,” he said.

He also emphasized the importance of protecting victims and preventing further harm. “Hindi dapat balewalain ang mga kasong may kinalaman sa kidnapping. Patuloy nating paiigtingin ang paghahanap sa mga pugante upang mapanagot sila sa tamang proseso ng batas,” PGEN Nartatez added.

The arrest underscores the PNP’s commitment to Enhanced Managing Police Operations under its PNP Focused Agenda, which guides efforts to strengthen law enforcement against serious criminality. Through sustained operations against wanted persons, the PNP seeks to uphold the rule of law and protect communities from criminal threats.

As the PNP strengthens efforts to apprehend wanted individuals and safeguard the public under the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., it upholds its commitment to “Bagong PNP para sa Bagong Pilipinas: Serbisyong Mabilis, Tapat, at Nararamdaman.”

(PNP-PIO)

23/10/2026

72,500 POLICE MOBILIZED NATIONWIDE TO KEEP UNDAS SAFE, ORDERLY

Under the leadership of PGen Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr., Chief, Philippine National Police (PNP), police presence is being strengthened nationwide as millions of Filipinos prepare to travel, visit cemeteries, and gather with their families for Undas 2026.

Around 72,500 PNP personnel are being deployed across the country to help keep major public areas safe and orderly, assist travelers and visitors, manage traffic, and provide immediate assistance during the period when movement and public activity are expected to significantly increase.

The deployment places police officers where people are most likely to need them—from cemeteries and columbaria to transportation hubs, major roads, places of worship, tourist destinations, checkpoints, and mobile patrol areas. The PNP has also established 4,980 police assistance desks in cemeteries and columbaria to give the public an accessible point for assistance and reporting concerns.

The nationwide effort is supported by 16,892 personnel from other government units, including the Armed Forces of the Philippines, Bureau of Fire Protection, Philippine Coast Guard, and other concerned agencies. Another 51,467 community force multipliers, including barangay tanods, radio groups, and other organizations, are also helping strengthen public safety.

This brings the combined deployment of police, partner government personnel, and community force multipliers to about 141,000 nationwide.

PGen Nartatez said the presence of police during Undas should be felt not only through visibility but through their readiness to assist people.

"Ngayong Undas, ang importante ay alam ng bawat isa na may pulis na malalapitan kung kailangan nila ng tulong. We are not just putting personnel on the ground; we are making sure they are where they are needed most—ready to assist, respond, and keep things orderly. Gusto natin maramdaman ng publiko na nandiyan ang PNP para tumulong,” PGen Nartatez said.

The nationwide deployment covers 5,311 cemeteries, memorial parks, and columbaria, along with other high-traffic locations nationwide. Police personnel are tasked to assist with crowd movement, traffic concerns, lost persons, emergencies, and other situations that may arise during the observance.

The operation reflects the PNP’s Focused Agenda, particularly Enhanced Managing Police Operations (EMPO), through deliberate deployment of personnel, closer coordination with partner agencies, and police visibility in areas where public safety needs are expected to be greater.

The PNP reminds the public to follow cemetery rules, avoid bringing fi****ms, weapons, illegal drugs, prohibited alcohol, flammable materials, and other restricted items, and remain respectful of fellow visitors.

Those traveling are advised to secure their homes, check their vehicles before long trips, avoid driving under the influence or while fatigued, use legitimate transport services, and keep personal belongings secure. Any emergency or suspicious activity should be promptly reported to the nearest police personnel or assistance desk.

PGen Nartatez called on the public to work with police and other responders in keeping the observance safe and peaceful.

“We have put the personnel and resources in place, but we also need the public to do their part. A safe Undas is a shared responsibility. If we stay alert, follow the rules, and speak up when something needs attention, mas mabilis tayong makakakilos and we can help ensure that families can remember their loved ones with peace of mind,” he said.

As the country observes Undas, the PNP remains committed to bringing responsive police service closer to communities and ensuring that public safety remains at the center of the nationwide observance—consistent with the vision of a Bagong PNP para sa Bagong Pilipinas: Serbisyong Mabilis, Tapat at Nararamdaman.

(PNP-PIO)

23/10/2026

23/10/2026

23/10/2026

NATIONAL-LISTED TERRORIST GROUP MEMBER SURRENDERS .38-CALIBER REVOLVER, AM******ON

The Philippine National Police (PNP), under the leadership of Chief, PNP PGEN Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr., facilitated another step toward peaceful reintegration with the voluntary surrender of a National Police Surrenderers Registry-listed Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) member in Northern Samar on October 21, 2026.

The 43-year-old male, identified by the alias “Utot,” a farmer from Silvino Lubos, Northern Samar, surrendered one caliber .38 revolver and two live rounds of am******on in Las Navas, Northern Samar. The surrender was facilitated by the 2nd Northern Samar Provincial Mobile Force Company (2nd NSPMFC) in coordination with the Philippine Army’s 20th Infantry Battalion.

The surrenderee was identified as a CTG member under the command of alias “Basoy” of the SRC Emporium, Eastern Visayas Regional Party Committee (EVRPC). He remains under the custody of the 2nd NSPMFC for documentation and tactical interviews to assess his identity, credibility, and sincerity in cooperating with the government. His possible enrollment in the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) or Local Social Integration Program (LSIP) will depend on applicable government procedures and eligibility requirements.

“This surrender reinforces our commitment to providing opportunities for those who choose to leave armed struggle and return to peaceful civilian life. We will uphold the law while supporting qualified individuals who are willing to rebuild their lives and contribute to their communities,” PGEN Nartatez said.

“Ang bawat nagbabalik-loob ay may pagkakataong magsimula muli at mamuhay nang mapayapa. Hinihikayat natin ang mga nais talikuran ang armadong pakikibaka na makipag-ugnayan sa mga awtoridad at samantalahin ang mga programang makatutulong sa kanilang pagbabalik sa komunidad,” he added.

The PNP Focused Agenda advances community peace and security through its key priority of Enhanced Managing Police Operations, supporting efforts to encourage CTG members to abandon armed struggle and return to peaceful civilian life.

As the PNP strengthens efforts to encourage CTG members to abandon armed struggle and embrace peaceful reintegration under the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., it assures the public of its commitment to “Bagong PNP para sa Bagong Pilipinas: Serbisyong Mabilis, Tapat, at Nararamdaman.”

(PNP-PIO)

23/10/2026

THREE SULU MOST WANTED PERSONS ARRESTED AS PNP ADVANCES JUSTICE FOR FIVE VICTIMS

Under the leadership of PGen Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr., Chief, Philippine National Police (PNP), three of Sulu’s most wanted persons are now in police custody in connection with multiple murder charges stemming from a deadly March incident that left five people dead, including a pregnant woman and a minor. Their arrests on October 17 in separate operations in Jolo and Siasi mark a significant step in advancing the case and bringing the accused before the proper judicial process.

The operation was carried out through the coordinated efforts of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) BASULTA Provincial Field Unit, PNP Special Action Force, Philippine Army, Sulu Provincial Intelligence Team, Regional Intelligence Unit 9, Sulu Police Provincial Office, Provincial Mobile Force Company, and other territorial police units.

The three accused, ranked Nos. 4, 5, and 6 among Sulu’s Provincial Level Most Wanted Persons, were arrested pursuant to seven warrants issued by the Regional Trial Court of Siasi, Sulu, on July 2, 2026. Six warrants were for murder and one for frustrated murder. No bail was recommended for the murder charges.

The case stemmed from a March 30 incident in the municipal waters of Duhol Tara, Siasi, and Alu Kabingaan, Tapul, Sulu, where 12 individuals aboard two motorized bancas were reportedly fired upon. Five victims died in the incident, including a pregnant woman and a minor.

For the PNP, the arrests underscore the importance of sustained police work in cases that require careful investigation, reliable information, and close coordination among different units and partner agencies.

“When there is a warrant, we have a clear duty to act. We will look for the person, make the arrest properly, and turn the case over to the courts,” PGen Nartatez said.

He emphasized that the operation also demonstrates the value of sharing information and maintaining close coordination, particularly in areas where police and military units need to work together to locate wanted persons.

“Hindi tayo dapat tumitigil dahil lamang mahirap ang isang kaso. We follow the information, we coordinate, and when the facts and legal requirements are in place, we act. That is how we serve the victims, their families, and the communities we are sworn to protect,” the Chief PNP added.

The operation is consistent with the PNP Focused Agenda, particularly Enhanced Managing Police Operations (EMPO), which promotes focused deployment of police resources, stronger coordination, and timely action based on reliable information.

It likewise supports the peace and order priorities of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., as the PNP continues to strengthen law enforcement efforts while ensuring that every operation respects the Constitution, existing laws, and the rights of all persons involved.

The three accused remain entitled to due process, and their arrests do not constitute a finding of guilt. They will face the appropriate judicial proceedings in connection with the charges against them.

The PNP said it will continue to pursue legitimate cases with determination and professionalism, recognizing that effective policing is not only about making arrests but also about helping communities move forward through lawful and accountable action. This commitment reflects the continuing pursuit of a “Bagong PNP para sa Bagong Pilipinas: Serbisyong Mabilis, Tapat at Nararamdaman.”

(PNP-PIO)

23/10/2026

TWO MOST WANTED PERSONS ARRESTED IN MINDANAO OVER MULTIPLE SEXUAL OFFENSE CASES

Under the leadership of PGen Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr., Chief, Philippine National Police (PNP), police units in Mindanao arrested two Most Wanted Persons in separate operations on October 21, both facing multiple sexual offense cases.

In Kiamba, Sarangani Province, personnel of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group Regional Field Unit 12, together with the Kiamba Municipal Police Station and the Provincial Intelligence Unit of the Sarangani Police Provincial Office, arrested a 21-year-old man by virtue of a warrant of arrest for three counts of statutory r**e, with no bail recommended. He is under the custody of CIDG RFU 12 for proper disposition.

In a separate operation in Butuan City later that evening, personnel of Police Station 6 of the Butuan City Police Office arrested a 56-year-old man along Ora New Road in Barangay Baan Km 3. He was wanted for three counts of r**e by sexual assault, with no bail recommended, and remains in police custody for appropriate legal proceedings.

Chief PNP PGen Nartatez said the arrests show the importance of sustained police work and coordination in locating wanted persons and ensuring that warrants issued by the courts are properly served.

“When a warrant is issued, we have a responsibility to act on it properly and within the law. These operations show what can be achieved when our units stay focused, share information, and work together. Simple lang ang objective—we locate the person, serve the warrant, and allow the case to proceed through the proper legal process.”

The PNP continues to strengthen its efforts to account for wanted persons as part of its broader commitment to public safety and the effective administration of justice. The operations are in line with the PNP Focused Agenda, particularly Enhanced Managing Police Operations (EMPO), which promotes coordinated and purposeful police action based on verified information and operational priorities.

The continuing effort also supports the administration of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. in promoting a safe and orderly environment anchored on the rule of law, professionalism, and accountability.

Through sustained police operations and responsible law enforcement, the PNP remains committed to bringing its services closer to the people under the Bagong PNP para sa Bagong Pilipinas: Serbisyong Mabilis, Tapat at Nararamdaman.

(PNP-PIO)

23/10/2026