The Philippine National Police (PNP) arrested four high-priority wanted persons in separate operations across Mindanao and Central Visayas on October 24, 2026, as part of its intensified campaign against individuals with outstanding arrest warrants.
The operations were conducted in Surigao del Sur, Maguindanao del Sur, South Cotabato, and Cebu through coordinated efforts of local police units, the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG), Highway Patrol Group (HPG), Special Action Force (SAF), and other law enforcement units.
Among those arrested was the No. 2 Most Wanted Person of Police Regional Office 13, who was apprehended in Lianga, Surigao del Sur.
The suspect faces multiple charges, including murder, frustrated murder, attempted murder, and violation of the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act of 2003.
In separate operations, authorities also arrested the No. 8 Most Wanted Person of the Police Regional Office–Bangsamoro Autonomous Region and the No. 10 Most Wanted Persons of Police Regional Offices 12 and 7.
Police also recovered an M4 rifle loaded with 35 live rounds of ammunition during one of the operations.
PNP Chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said the arrests demonstrated the importance of sustained intelligence gathering, coordination, and police operations in locating wanted individuals.
“Hindi lang ito tungkol sa isang operasyon. It is about sustained police work—following information, coordinating with the right units, and patiently locating those who have outstanding warrants,” Nartatez said.
He emphasized that police operations must be conducted in accordance with the law while respecting due process and the rights of individuals.
The arrests form part of the PNP Focused Agenda, particularly Enhanced Managing Police Operations (EMPO), which aims to strengthen coordination, intelligence gathering, and law enforcement efforts against priority crime concerns.
The PNP also encouraged the public to provide credible information that could help authorities locate wanted persons while reminding citizens to leave law enforcement operations to authorized personnel.
Authorities reiterated their commitment to pursuing individuals with outstanding warrants and strengthening public safety through continued police coordination and community cooperation.
