02/10/2026
MOST WANTED SUSPECT IN CAPIZ MURDER OF POLICE OFFICER ARRESTED
Under the leadership of Police General Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr., Chief, Philippine National Police (PNP), police personnel arrested the No. 7 Provincial Most Wanted Person (MWP) in Capiz during the service of a warrant of arrest in Sitio Baybay, Pontevedra, Capiz, on September 30, 2026.
The 29-year-old male suspect, a resident of Dumarao, Capiz, was arrested at around 5:45 p.m. pursuant to a warrant issued by the Regional Trial Court, Sixth Judicial Region, Branch 15, Roxas City, Capiz, in connection with a murder case involving the use of an unlicensed fi***rm. The court did not recommend bail for the case.
The arrest marks the second apprehension in connection with the case. The first suspect, who is a cousin of the newly arrested No. 7 Provincial MWP, was apprehended on July 20, 2026. Police authorities are continuing efforts to locate the third suspect, who remains at large, as the investigation and corresponding legal processes continue.
The newly arrested suspect is currently under the custody of the Pontevedra Municipal Police Station for proper disposition and further legal proceedings. An Alternative Recording Device was utilized throughout the operation to document the conduct of the arrest.
The case stemmed from the July 20, 2026 line-of-duty death of a police officer who was responding to a reported public disturbance in Pontevedra when he sustained fatal injuries. The PNP continues to pursue the case based on available evidence and court-issued processes.
Chief PNP PGen Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr. said the latest arrest reflects the continuing police effort to follow through on cases and implement warrants issued by the courts.
“Hindi natatapos ang trabaho sa unang pag-aresto. We continue to work on the case, one step at a time, guided by the evidence and the legal process. May mga taong kailangan pa nating hanapin, and we will continue doing our part within the bounds of the law,” PGen Nartatez said.
The PNP emphasized that all persons arrested remain entitled to due process and the presumption of innocence until proven guilty by a competent court. The operation forms part of the PNP’s continuing efforts to strengthen police responsiveness and case follow-through in line with the PNP Focused Agenda and its Enhanced Managing Police Operations, consistent with the administration of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. in promoting peace, order, and public safety.
Through sustained, lawful, and accountable police service, the PNP remains committed to protecting communities, supporting the administration of justice, and advancing the vision of a Bagong PNP para sa Bagong Pilipinas: Serbisyong Mabilis, Tapat, at Nararamdaman.
(PNP-PIO)