Five individuals wanted for rape, murder, and firearms-related offenses were arrested in separate police operations across Batangas, Cebu, Basilan, and Aklan on October 26, 2026, the Philippine National Police (PNP) reported.

The operations, conducted under the leadership of PNP Chief General Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr., resulted in the arrest of individuals facing serious criminal charges, including several listed among the regional most wanted persons.

In Lipa City, Batangas, joint police operatives arrested a regional most wanted person facing charges of statutory rape and acts of lasciviousness involving a minor. The charges stemmed from a complaint filed in 2025.

The arrest was carried out through warrants issued by the court, with authorities informing the accused of the charges and constitutional rights.

Meanwhile, in Alcantara, Cebu, police arrested the region’s No. 10 most wanted person for violating Republic Act No. 10591, or the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act.

The suspect was apprehended through a court-issued warrant with recommended bail of Php 120,000 and was brought to the Alcantara Municipal Police Station for documentation and proper disposition.

In Lamitan City, Basilan, joint police units arrested two individuals ranked No. 2 and No. 3 on the regional most wanted list at around 5:30 p.m.

Both suspects were wanted in connection with a murder case under Article 248 of the Revised Penal Code. They were subsequently brought to the Basilan Police Provincial Office for legal processing.

In New Washington, Aklan, authorities arrested the region’s No. 1 most wanted person in connection with a rape case.

The arrest was made through a warrant issued by the Regional Trial Court Branch 3 in Kalibo on October 22, 2026, with no bail recommended.

Nartatez emphasized that the arrests demonstrated the importance of sustained intelligence gathering and coordination among police units in tracking down individuals wanted by the courts.

“May mga taong matagal nang hinahanap, pero hindi ibig sabihin na nakakalimutan na natin sila. We keep working on the information, we coordinate with our units, and when we find them, we make sure the arrest is done properly and within the law,” Nartatez said.

He also reminded police personnel to uphold professionalism, due process, and respect for constitutional rights during law enforcement operations.

The arrests were conducted under the PNP Focused Agenda, particularly Enhanced Managing Police Operations (EMPO), which promotes intelligence-driven and coordinated police actions.

The PNP said it would continue strengthening its efforts to locate wanted individuals while ensuring that all arrests comply with legal procedures and human rights standards.