Police arrested two of the National Capital Region’s most wanted individuals in separate operations in Manila on October 29, 2026, over murder and rape charges, the Philippine National Police (PNP) reported.

The suspects, ranked No. 1 and No. 9 on the regional most wanted persons list for November 2026, were apprehended through coordinated operations involving the Manila Police District (MPD) and other police units.

The first operation resulted in the arrest of a 25-year-old man wanted for murder under Article 248 of the Revised Penal Code.

Personnel from the MPD Special Manila Reaction Team, in coordination with the MPD Homicide Section and Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) Unit, arrested the suspect along Chesa Street in Tondo, Manila.

Police said the suspect attempted to escape on foot during the operation but was intercepted in front of a barangay hall.

The arrest was carried out under a warrant issued on October 15, 2026, with no bail recommended.

The operation formed part of the police’s Simultaneous Anti-Criminality and Law Enforcement Operation (SACLEO), which targets individuals wanted for serious offenses.

In a separate operation, personnel from the MPD District Police Intelligence and Operations Unit, together with the Provincial Intelligence Unit of the Bataan Police Provincial Office and Balanga City Police Station, arrested a 27-year-old man along Roxas Boulevard in Malate, Manila.

The suspect, identified as the region’s No. 9 most wanted person, faces charges of statutory rape and rape through sexual assault.

Police said the statutory rape charge was filed under Article 266-A(1)(d) of the Revised Penal Code, as amended by Republic Acts No. 8353 and 11648.

The separate charge of rape through sexual assault falls under the second paragraph of Article 266-A, as amended by Republic Act No. 8353.

The warrants were issued on October 20, 2026. The statutory rape charge carries a no-bail recommendation, while bail was recommended for the separate sexual assault charge.

Following their arrests, both suspects were informed of the charges against them and their constitutional rights before being placed under the custody of the Manila Police District Integrated Jail, subject to the required court procedures and commitment orders.

PNP Chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said the arrests demonstrated the police force’s continuing efforts to locate wanted individuals and bring them before the courts.

“Every arrest of a wanted person is a step toward ensuring that those who violate the law are held accountable. Our law enforcement efforts must remain firm, focused, and relentless,” Nartatez said.

He also emphasized the importance of sustained operations against individuals facing serious criminal charges.

“Hindi dapat makaiwas sa batas ang sinumang may pananagutan sa krimen. Patuloy nating palalakasin ang paghahanap sa mga wanted person upang mapanagot sila sa ilalim ng batas,” he added.

The PNP said the operations form part of its Focused Agenda, particularly Enhanced Managing Police Operations (EMPO), which aims to strengthen intelligence coordination and the enforcement of outstanding arrest warrants.

Authorities said efforts to locate other wanted individuals would continue as part of measures to maintain peace and order and protect communities.

Both arrested individuals remain accused of the offenses filed against them, with their cases subject to further judicial proceedings.