Saul Tarsus

27/09/2026

4 HIGH-VALUE SUSPECTS FALL, P18.47-M SHABU SEIZED IN PASAY, BUTUAN OPS

The Philippine National Police, under the command of PNP Chief PGEN Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr., seized nearly three kilograms of suspected shabu valued at P18,471,350.00 and arrested four high-value individuals in separate anti-illegal drug operations in Pasay City and Butuan City on September 25 and 26, 2026.

In Pasay City, personnel of the NAIA-Inter-Agency Drug Interdiction Task Group arrested a Filipino suspect of legal age at a mail processing facility along Domestic Road on September 25, resulting in the confiscation of more or less 743 grams of suspected shabu worth P3,157,750.00. The suspect and seized evidence were turned over to the PDEA Main Office for documentation, laboratory examination, and proper disposition.

In Butuan City, personnel of Police Station 3, Butuan City Police Office, and the Regional Police Drug Enforcement Unit 13 conducted a buy-bust operation in Barangay Bancasi on September 26, leading to the arrest of three Filipino suspects of legal age, all classified as high-value individuals. The operation yielded more or less 2,252 grams of suspected shabu valued at P15,313,600.00, along with buy-bust money and other non-drug items. The arrested suspects and confiscated evidence are under the custody of RPDEU 13.

“These operations underscore our sustained efforts to disrupt the illegal drug trade and prevent dangerous drugs from reaching our communities. We will remain focused on pursuing individuals involved in the distribution of illegal drugs and bringing them before the proper authorities,” PGEN Nartatez said.

“Our goal isn’t just to react; it’s to create an absolute dead-end for illegal drugs in our streets. Ang sinumang magtatangkang magbenta nito ay haharap sa buong bigat ng batas,” he added.

The PNP Focused Agenda provides a framework for organizational transformation, with Enhanced Managing Police Operations reflected in the PNP’s focused efforts against the illegal drug trade.

As the PNP intensifies its campaign against illegal drugs under the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., it assures the public of “Bagong PNP para sa Bagong Pilipinas: Serbisyong Mabilis, Tapat, at Nararamdaman.”

(PNP-PIO)

27/09/2026

27/09/2026

EX-COMMUNIST TERRORIST LEADER, MEMBER WANTED FOR MURDER ARRESTED IN SEPARATE OPS

The Philippine National Police, under the leadership of PNP Chief PGEN Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr., arrested two former Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) members wanted for serious offenses in separate law enforcement operations in Mountain Province and Surigao del Norte on September 24, 2026.

In Mountain Province, a 34-year-old former CTG Squad Leader of the dismantled Kilusang Larangang Gerilya (KLG) Montes/Leonardo Pacsi Command was arrested in Barangay Tanulong, Sagada. He was wanted for Murder, with no bail recommended, and Attempted Murder under warrants issued by the Regional Trial Court Branch 36, Bontoc, Mountain Province, and was listed in the PNP Periodic Status Report Threat Groups (PSRTG) Watchlist for the fourth quarter of 2020.

The operation was led by the 1st Mountain Province Provincial Mobile Force Company (PMFC) and Sagada Municipal Police Station, with the participation of the 2nd Mountain Province PMFC, Provincial Intelligence Unit, Provincial Drug Enforcement Unit, Provincial Investigation and Detective Management Unit of the Mountain Province Police Provincial Office, Regional Mobile Force Battalion 15, and Regional Intelligence Division of PRO CAR.

In a separate operation in Barangay Mat-i, Surigao City, the CIDG Surigao del Norte Provincial Field Unit, in coordination with the Surigao City Component Police Station, arrested a 35-year-old former CTG member assigned to Sentro de Gravidad 21, Guerrilla Front 16, North Eastern Mindanao Regional Committee (NEMRC) of the Communist Party of the Philippines–New People’s Army (CPP-NPA). He was arrested by virtue of a Murder warrant issued by a court in Tandag City, Surigao del Sur on July 20, 2020, with no recommended bail, and was listed in the AFP’s Periodic Status Report of 2020.

The case stemmed from an April 14, 2020 incident in Barangay Magroyong, San Miguel, Surigao del Sur, where the arrested accused, together with 12 other individuals, was accused of conspiring in the shooting of a male CAFGU Active Auxiliary (CAA), who sustained fatal gunshot wounds.

The arrests highlight the PNP’s sustained efforts to locate wanted persons through Enhanced Managing Police Operations, a key priority under the PNP Focused Agenda that strengthens police service delivery and operational effectiveness.

“Every arrest of a wanted individual strengthens our efforts to uphold the rule of law and protect communities from threats to public safety. We will remain focused on bringing fugitives to justice through lawful police operations and proper coordination among our units,” PGEN Nartatez said.

“Ang pagkakahuli sa mga dating miyembro ng CTG na may mga warrant sa kasong Murder at Attempted Murder ay resulta ng masusing pagtutok ng ating mga yunit. Ipatutupad natin ang mga kautusan ng hukuman at sisiguraduhing ang bawat suspek ay maihaharap sa tamang proseso ng batas,” he added.

The successful operation demonstrates the PNP’s resolve to pursue wanted persons and address security concerns in the Cordillera through sustained police presence and focused law enforcement efforts.

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

(PNP-PIO)

27/09/2026

GUN SAFETY STARTS WITH RESPONSIBLE OWNERSHIP AS PNP LAUNCHES NATIONWIDE ADVOCACY

Under the leadership of Police General Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr., Chief, Philippine National Police (PNP), the PNP Civil Security Group (CSG) has launched a Gun Safety Advocacy Campaign to promote responsible firearm ownership, safe handling, proper storage, and the prevention of unauthorized access to fi****ms.

The campaign was launched amid recent firearm-related incidents involving minors in school settings, which brought renewed attention to the importance of preventing unauthorized access to fi****ms and ensuring that legally owned guns are properly secured. Rather than focusing only on enforcement after an incident occurs, the CSG initiative seeks to strengthen prevention by encouraging responsible firearm owners to make safety a continuing practice.

Carrying the official tagline “OWN A GUN RESPONSIBLY. GUN SAFETY IS A CONTINUING DUTY,” the campaign emphasizes that firearm safety goes beyond legal ownership. It encourages firearm owners to consistently practice safe handling, secure storage, and accountability, particularly in ensuring that fi****ms do not become accessible to unauthorized persons.

The campaign also carries the hashtags , , and , encouraging firearm owners, families, shooting clubs, partner organizations, and communities to help amplify practical firearm safety reminders through their respective activities and platforms.

The initiative forms part of the PNP’s continuing preventive efforts to promote the responsible use and safekeeping of fi****ms. Through sustained public education and cooperation with stakeholders, the campaign seeks to reinforce the message that a properly secured firearm helps protect not only its owner, but also the family and the wider community.

“Kapag may baril, may kaakibat na responsibilidad. Hindi lang ito tungkol sa pagmamay-ari; kasama rito ang araw-araw na pag-iingat. Kung ligtas ang pagkakahawak at pagkakatago ng baril, mas napoprotektahan natin ang ating pamilya at komunidad,” PGen Nartatez said.

He emphasized that firearm safety should become part of everyday practice, particularly in ensuring that fi****ms remain properly secured and inaccessible to unauthorized persons.

“Hindi natin kailangang hintayin na may mangyaring insidente bago natin seryosohin ang gun safety. Nasa simpleng pag-iingat ang malaking bahagi ng prevention—sa tamang paghawak, tamang safe keeping, at pagtiyak na hindi ito maaabot ng taong hindi dapat magkaroon nito. Sa ganitong paraan, lahat tayo may kontribusyon sa kaligtasan ng ating pamilya at komunidad,” PGen Nartatez said.

The CSG initiative is aligned with the PNP’s Focused Agenda, particularly its Enhanced Managing Police Operations (EMPO), by complementing law enforcement efforts with prevention, public awareness, and stronger community participation in promoting firearm safety.

The campaign also supports the administration of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. in advancing public safety through initiatives that encourage responsible practices and active community participation.

The PNP encourages firearm owners, stakeholders, and the public to help amplify the campaign’s safety messages through appropriate community activities, information materials, and social media platforms. Through collective responsibility and sustained awareness, the PNP seeks to advance “Bagong PNP para sa Bagong Pilipinas: Serbisyong Mabilis, Tapat, at Nararamdaman,” while fostering a culture where gun safety remains a continuing duty.

(PNP-PIO)

26/09/2026

PNP RAID UNCOVERS ₱2.6M MINING HAUL IN QUEZON

The Philippine National Police, under the command of PNP Chief PGEN Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr., seized an estimated ₱2,608,900.00 worth of mining materials and equipment during a joint operation in Buenavista, Quezon on September 22, 2026, following a request for police assistance over an allegedly unauthorized small-scale mining operation.

The operation was conducted by the CIDG Quezon Provincial Field Unit together with the Provincial Mining Regulatory Board (PMRB) of Quezon Province, Provincial Explosive Ordnance Disposal and Canine Unit (PECU), Quezon Provincial Mobile Force Company (QPMFC), Philippine Army, Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Office (MENRO) of Buenavista, and the territorial police unit in Brgy. Bulo, Buenavista, Quezon.

The enforcement action stemmed from the PMRB’s request for police assistance regarding a small-scale mining operation allegedly being conducted without the necessary permit or authority issued by the regulatory body. The search warrant was implemented for alleged violations of Republic Act No. 7076, or the People’s Small-Scale Mining Act of 1991, in relation to Executive Order No. 79, which institutionalizes and implements reforms in the Philippine mining sector.

Seized during the operation were sacks of tailings and lime (apog), containers of nitric acid, compressors, dynamos, submersible pumps, a generator set, ball mills, a container of suspected sodium cyanide, and containers of silver compounds allegedly used in gold refining. The confiscated items had a total estimated value of ₱2,608,900.00.

The operation reflects the PNP’s Enhanced Managing Police Operations under its PNP Focused Agenda, a framework of organizational transformation that strengthens police operational effectiveness in enforcing laws and addressing activities that threaten public safety and lawful community affairs.

“Illegal mining activities can put our environment, communities, and public safety at risk. The PNP will remain firm in supporting lawful enforcement actions against operations that violate existing mining regulations,” PGEN Nartatez said.

“Hindi natin hahayaang malagay sa panganib ang ating likas na yaman dahil sa mga gawaing labag sa itinakdang mga patakaran,” he added.

The confiscated materials and equipment were placed under the custody of the appropriate authorities for proper disposition and further proceedings in accordance with law.

As the PNP strengthens its enforcement efforts against unlawful activities affecting communities and the country’s natural resources under the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., it assures the public of “Bagong PNP para sa Bagong Pilipinas: Serbisyong Mabilis, Tapat, at Nararamdaman.”

(PNP-PIO)

26/09/2026

PNP MOVES ON MAKATI SHOOTING, TIGHTENS WATCH VS. MISUSE OF RIDER IDENTITIES

Under the leadership of PGen Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr., Chief, Philippine National Police (PNP), police authorities are intensifying the investigation into the shooting of a condominium manager in Makati City on September 24, 2026, with investigators pursuing available leads to establish the identities of those involved and determine the circumstances behind the incident.

The shooting happened along Chino Roces Avenue in Barangay Pio del Pilar, Makati City, where two unidentified motorcycle-riding individuals reportedly approached the victim’s vehicle and fired several shots. The victim sustained gunshot wounds to her leg and thigh and was brought to a hospital for medical treatment. Police are continuing to establish the motive and other circumstances surrounding the case.

The National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO), through the Southern Police District (SPD) and the Makati City Police Station, has directed investigators to exhaust available leads, including the review of CCTV footage and other relevant evidence, to establish the identities and movements of the individuals involved.

Chief PNP PGen Nartatez emphasized that the investigation must remain focused on facts while ensuring that legitimate motorcycle riders and service providers are not unfairly associated with the incident.

“Tingnan natin nang maayos ang buong pangyayari at hayaan nating ebidensya ang magsabi kung sino ang tunay na sangkot. If someone used a rider uniform or identity to hide their real identity, we will work to find out who they are and what happened. Pero hindi rin tama na madamay ang mga lehitimong rider na naghahanapbuhay nang maayos. We will keep the investigation focused on the people actually involved,” PGen Nartatez said.

Initial information indicated that the individuals involved were reportedly wearing clothing resembling the uniform of a motorcycle ride-hailing service. Police authorities stressed that this detail is being verified as part of the investigation and should not be taken as an indication of any involvement by the legitimate company or its riders.

The PNP is also looking into stronger coordination with motorcycle ride-hailing operators and other concerned stakeholders on practical measures that may help distinguish legitimate riders from individuals who may improperly use company-related uniforms, identification cards, helmets, or other identifying marks.

This approach forms part of the PNP’s continuing effort to address emerging public safety concerns through timely investigation, stronger coordination, and responsible use of available information. It is consistent with the PNP Focused Agenda, particularly under Enhanced Managing Police Operations (EMPO), which strengthens police response and coordination in addressing incidents that affect communities.

The PNP likewise encourages the public to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious activities or information that may assist authorities in an ongoing investigation. At the same time, the public is reminded to refrain from spreading unverified identities or accusations online while the facts are still being established.

The PNP continues to strengthen its police operations and partnerships with communities, local authorities, and private-sector stakeholders in support of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and the shared goal of maintaining safe and orderly communities.

Through evidence-based investigation, responsive police action, and responsible coordination with the public and other stakeholders, the PNP remains committed to “Bagong PNP para sa Bagong Pilipinas: Serbisyong Mabilis, Tapat at Nararamdaman.”

(PNP-PIO)

26/09/2026

PNP TO USE EXTENDED LEAD TIME TO STRENGTHEN 2028 BSKE SECURITY PREPARATIONS

The Philippine National Police (PNP) will use the extended preparation period ahead of the 2028 Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE) to further refine its election-security planning, strengthen coordination with partner agencies, and incorporate lessons from recent electoral exercises.

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has signed Republic Act No. 12326, moving the next regular BSKE to November 13, 2028 and setting the term of barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan officials at five years. Palace Press Officer Usec. Claire Castro confirmed the signing.

For the PNP, the new law provides the basis for adjusting its future security planning and coordination with the Commission on Elections (COMELEC), local government units, and other concerned agencies. The PNP’s role in election security is likewise anchored on existing election laws, including Section 261(r) of the Omnibus Election Code, which provides for the deputation of law-enforcement agencies for the protection and security of the electoral process.

The PNP can also build on its recent experience during the September 2026 BARMM parliamentary elections, which the PNP assessed as generally peaceful and orderly, while maintaining coordination with COMELEC and other concerned agencies.

Chief PNP PGen Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr. said the additional time will allow the organization to prepare based on actual security conditions and lessons from previous elections.

“Mas mahaba ang panahon natin para maghanda, kaya gagamitin natin ito nang maayos. We can look at what worked, what needs to be improved, and what new concerns we need to prepare for. By the time the elections come, our people should already know their roles and our coordination should already be in place,” PGen Nartatez said.

The PNP will continue reviewing election-security experiences and emerging local conditions as part of its preparations. Coordination with COMELEC and other stakeholders will help ensure that police support is aligned with the actual security requirements of the 2028 BSKE.

Rather than limiting preparations to election day, the PNP will continue monitoring developments that may affect the security environment before and during the electoral period. This includes appropriate police presence, information-sharing, and timely response to election-related incidents within its mandate.

The approach is aligned with the PNP Focused Agenda, particularly under Enhanced Managing Police Operations (EMPO), which promotes coordinated and responsive police operations based on actual security needs.

As the country moves toward the 2028 BSKE, the PNP will continue working with COMELEC, government partners, communities, and other stakeholders to help maintain a safe and orderly environment for election-related activities while upholding professionalism, impartiality, and respect for the rights of all stakeholders.

Through early preparation, sound coordination, and adherence to the law, the PNP remains committed to “Bagong PNP para sa Bagong Pilipinas: Serbisyong Mabilis, Tapat at Nararamdaman.”

(PNP-PIO)

26/09/2026

26/09/2026

NO. 3, NO. 9 WANTED PERSONS ARRESTED OVER SEPARATE DOUBLE MURDER CASES

The Philippine National Police (PNP), under the leadership of PGen Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr., Chief, PNP, arrested two individuals listed among the Top Wanted Persons in their respective areas in separate operations conducted in Quezon and South Cotabato on September 24, 2026.

In Quezon, joint personnel from the Real Municipal Police Station, Quezon Police Provincial Office units, Mabitac Municipal Police Station, Laguna PPO, and Regional Intelligence Division 4A arrested a No. 3 Provincial/Regional-level wanted person at in Barangay 61, Real. The individual is facing two counts of Murder under separate criminal cases and was arrested by virtue of warrants of arrest with no bail recommended.

Meanwhile, in South Cotabato, personnel from police and intelligence units of Sultan Kudarat and Police Regional Office 12 arrested another individual listed as a No. 9 wanted person in Barangay Maltana, Tampakan. The individual is facing two counts of Murder and was arrested by virtue of warrants of arrest with no bail recommended. The arrested person is currently under the custody of the 1205th Maneuver Company, Regional Mobile Force Battalion 12.

PGen Nartatez said the successful arrests reflect the continuing effort of police units nationwide to locate wanted persons through coordinated and lawful police operations.

“Kapag may warrant, trabaho natin na hanapin ang tao at maipatupad ito nang maayos. Hindi kailangang madaliin kung ang kailangan ay tiyakin muna ang impormasyon at tamang coordination. What matters is that we get the person, serve the warrant properly, and let the case proceed through the courts,” the Chief PNP said.

The operations are part of the PNP’s continuing efforts to strengthen police effectiveness under its Focused Agenda, particularly through Enhanced Managing Police Operations (EMPO), which emphasizes coordinated action, timely response, and accountable police service. These efforts support the administration’s peace and security agenda under the leadership of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.

The PNP continues to remind wanted persons to face the legal processes against them and encourages the public to provide information through proper police channels while respecting the rights and due process of all persons involved.

With sustained operations and responsible police service, the PNP remains committed to advancing Bagong PNP para sa Bagong Pilipinas: Serbisyong Mabilis, Tapat at Nararamdaman.

(PNP-PIO)