Photo courtesy of PNP
The Philippine National Police arrested a murder suspect who had evaded authorities for nearly two decades during a joint operation in Catarman, Northern Samar on July 16.
The 43-year-old farmer was taken into custody in Barangay San Julian by virtue of a warrant of arrest issued on Sept. 20, 2006.
Police said the Regional Trial Court issued the warrant for a murder charge with no bail recommended.
The arrest ended almost 20 years of the suspect’s efforts to evade law enforcement, according to the PNP.
PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said the operation demonstrated that fugitives would eventually be brought before the courts regardless of how long they remained at large.
He added that police would continue tracking down individuals facing criminal charges until they were arrested and made to answer before the justice system.
The PNP said the operation reflected its continuing intelligence-driven campaign against wanted persons and the implementation of court-issued warrants.
Authorities said the anti-fugitive drive remains part of the police force’s efforts to strengthen public safety and uphold the rule of law.