03/02/2026
PNP ANTI-CRIME SWEEP YIELDS 13 ARRESTS, PHP25M SEIZED IN ILLEGAL DRUGS
The Philippine National Police (PNP) marked another day of significant accomplishments in its ongoing campaign against crime, illegal drugs, and smuggling operations nationwide. From 8:00 AM, February 1 to 8:00 AM, February 2, 2026, law enforcement units successfully arrested 13 high-value and most wanted persons, carried out major anti-illegal drug operations, and disrupted smuggling activities.
Among the notable arrests were individuals involved in serious crimes such as murder, statutory r**e, and robbery with homicide. All were taken into custody without bail as mandated by their respective courts.
Chief PNP, Police General Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr., underscored the importance of these operations: “Our operations against wanted persons are guided by the principle of lawfulness and the protection of our communities. Each arrest is a step closer to a safer Philippines.”
Notable apprehensions include a 41-year-old male suspect, known as a top NCR most wanted for murder, who was arrested in Caloocan City following coordinated surveillance and warrant service operations. In Central Luzon, a 33-year-old male accused of murder in Bulacan was taken into custody by the Regional Special Operations Group and local police units.
In Tarlac City, two individuals wanted for multiple counts of statutory r**e, including a 42-year-old male and a 30-year-old male, were apprehended through collaboration between the Tarlac Police and the Regional Intelligence Unit. In Albay, a legal-age male suspect wanted for statutory r**e was arrested in Daraga, while in Surigao del Norte, a 30-year-old male accused of r**e was also taken into custody.
In parallel, PNP units conducted major anti-illegal drug operations, resulting in the seizure of drugs valued at approximately Php25.05 million. In Zamboanga City, authorities confiscated 150 grams of shabu, estimated at Php1.02 million, from a high-value individual during a coordinated operation involving the Regional Drug Enforcement Unit, PDEA, and the Maritime Police.
Meanwhile, in the Cordillera region, authorities carried out large-scale ma*****na eradication operations across Kalinga and Benguet. In Benguet, six ma*****na plantation sites covering 3,650 square meters were destroyed, yielding 19,350 fully grown ma*****na plants and 45 kilograms of dried ma*****na leaves with fruiting tops, valued at Php9.27 million.
In Kalinga, operatives uprooted 16,800 fully grown ma*****na plants in one area, estimated at Php3.36 million. Another site in the same province, covering 5,700 square meters, yielded 57,000 fully grown plants with an estimated value of Php11.4 million. All ma*****na plants and dried leaves were documented, uprooted, and burned on site, with representative samples submitted for testing.
Chief PNP, PGEN Nartatez Jr. stressed the agency’s commitment to safeguarding communities: “Illegal drug trafficking threatens the safety of our citizens. Our personnel remain resolute and committed to dismantling drug networks wherever they operate.”
These accomplishments are part of the broader PNP Focused Agenda, prioritizing proactive operations against high-impact crimes, illegal drugs, and transnational crimes. Through coordination among regional intelligence units, mobile force battalions, and local police stations, the PNP continues to strengthen public confidence while upholding the rule of law.
“We will continue our operations with determination, integrity, and professionalism, ensuring that law-abiding citizens can feel safer in their communities,” Chief PNP, PGEN Nartatez Jr. added.
Guided by integrity, professionalism, and a relentless drive to serve, the PNP continues to deliver results that ordinary Filipinos can see and feel in their daily lives—Bagong PNP para sa Bagong Pilipinas: Serbisyong Mabilis, Tapat at Nararamdaman.
(PNP-PIO)
