PNP Training Institute Regional Training Center 12

CHINESE TOURIST ARRESTED AFTER ASSAULTING MALL SECURITY GUARD IN PASAY

The Philippine National Police, under the command of PNP Chief PGEN Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr., arrested a 21-year-old Chinese tourist following an assault on a mall security guard at the MOA Complex in Pasay City on August 20, 2026.

Personnel of Sub-Station 10 (MOA) of the Pasay City Police Station took the suspect, identified only as alias Wen, into custody after he allegedly punched a 49-year-old security guard in the face and damaged the guard’s prescription eyeglasses.

Initial investigation showed that the victim was assisting a female security guard in inviting the suspect to the Customer Relations Services office for identity verification in connection with a previous theft report. When the victim approached the suspect near the 4th-floor MOA Sky football field, the suspect allegedly struck him in the face, causing a nasal fracture, and stepped on his eyeglasses before attempting to leave the area.

Other mall security personnel immediately pursued and restrained the suspect and subsequently turned him over to responding police officers. The suspect, who reportedly could not present identification documents and has no permanent address in the Philippines, was brought to the police station for documentation and medical examination before being referred to the Investigation and Detective Management Section for appropriate action.

Formal complaints for Physical Injuries and Malicious Mischief are being prepared for inquest proceedings before the Pasay City Prosecutor’s Office.

The arrest reinforces the PNP Focused Agenda, which strengthens police service delivery through Enhanced Managing Police Operations and timely police action to protect the public and uphold the law.

“Every person in the Philippines is expected to respect our laws and answer for violations, regardless of nationality. Our police officers will act decisively when public safety and security are put at risk,” PGEN Nartatez said.

“Walang sinuman ang may karapatang manakit ng kapwa o manira ng ari-arian. Kapag may paglabag sa batas, haharap sa tamang proseso,” he added.

As the PNP strengthens its efforts to protect the public and uphold peace and order 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)

PNP MANHUNT STRIKES REGION 10’s MOST-WANTED LIST: MARANTAO VICE MAYOR ARRESTED FOR MURDER

The Philippine National Police, under the command of PNP Chief PGEN Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr., apprehended the Vice Mayor of Marantao, Lanao del Sur, who was listed as Region 10’s No. 4 Most Wanted Person for Murder and Frustrated Murder on August 21, 2026.

The 36-year-old married Filipino government employee was arrested at about 8:45 PM inside a local inn in Barangay San Miguel. He is a resident of Marantao, Lanao del Sur, and was likewise listed as the No. 3 Provincial Most Wanted Person and No. 1 Municipal Most Wanted Person.

The apprehension was carried out by the Iligan City Mobile Force Company (ICMFC) Tracker Team, together with trackers and personnel from various PNP intelligence, regional, mobile force, investigation, and police station units. Their focused efforts led to the successful location and arrest of the wanted person.

The accused is facing charges of Murder, for which no bail is recommended, and Frustrated Murder. The warrants were issued by the Regional Trial Court Branch 44 in Initao, Misamis Oriental.

“Ang posisyon sa gobyerno ay hindi nagbibigay ng proteksyon laban sa pananagutan. Kapag may warrant of arrest, ipatutupad ito ng ating mga pulis alinsunod sa batas at tamang proseso,” said PGEN Nartatez.

“This arrest demonstrates the PNP’s determination to locate wanted persons and enforce court-issued warrants regardless of their status or position. Our personnel will remain focused on bringing those sought by the courts into proper custody,” he added.

The arrest supports the PNP Focused Agenda, a framework for transformation that strengthens police operations and advances the key priority on Enhanced Managing Police Operations through the focused pursuit of wanted persons.

The accused is currently under the custody of Police Station 1 of the local police office for proper disposition.

As the PNP strengthens its pursuit of wanted persons and accountability 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)

NATIONAL MOST WANTED WITH ₱145K BOUNTY LINKED TO ISULAN BOMBING, MURDER ARRESTED

The Philippine National Police, under the command of PNP Chief PGEN Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr., has arrested a National Most Wanted Person with a ₱145K bounty who was linked to the Isulan bombing and two separate murder cases in Sultan Kudarat, delivering a major breakthrough in the PNP’s campaign against individuals wanted for the most serious and heinous crimes.

The 45-year-old male suspect, known by the alias “Tarzan/Tarsan,” was arrested on August 21, 2026, in Barangay Udtong, Lambayong, Sultan Kudarat, following intelligence developed by personnel of the PNP Intelligence Group in General Santos City and acted upon by the Lambayong Municipal Police Station and Sultan Kudarat Police Provincial Office.

The arrest was carried out through warrants for violation of Republic Act No. 11479, or the Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020, and two counts of Murder, all with no bail recommended. The anti-terrorism case stemmed from the April 17, 2023 bombing at the Isulan Integrated Public Terminal in Barangay Kalawag 2, Isulan, Sultan Kudarat, which injured several individuals, including three minors aged 15, 14, and 13, and other victims aged 56, 60, 25, and 57.

The suspect was likewise identified as among those linked to the killing of a 60-year-old BPAT member in Lambayong on July 17, 2021, and the killing of a 41-year-old BPAT member in the same municipality on April 7, 2021.

During the service of the warrants, the suspect resisted arrest and engaged law enforcement personnel in a brief armed confrontation. He sustained a gunshot wound to his left knee and was immediately brought to a medical facility in Lambayong for treatment.

Recovered from his possession was one NORINCO caliber 9mm pistol, with its chamber loaded and one magazine containing three live ammunition, along with three fired cartridge casings believed to be from a caliber 9mm firearm.

The suspect was listed among the National Most Wanted Persons covered by DILG Memorandum Circulars dated July 31, 2026, with a ₱145,000.00 monetary reward for information leading to his arrest.

“Acts of terrorism and murder strike at the very foundation of public safety and human life. Those who stand accused of such grave offenses cannot expect to remain beyond the reach of the law—the PNP will find them, arrest them, and bring them before the courts,” PGEN Nartatez said.

“Ang terorismo at pagkitil ng buhay ay kabilang sa pinakamabibigat at pinakamapanganib na krimen. Walang lugar sa lipunan ang mga taong sangkot sa ganitong karumal-dumal na gawain—sisiguraduhin nating haharap sila sa batas at mananagot sa kanilang mga ginawa,” he added.

The accomplishment advances the PNP Focused Agenda, particularly its key priority on Enhanced Managing Police Operations through intelligence-led efforts to apprehend wanted persons.

As the PNP strengthens its campaign against fugitives linked to terrorism and other heinous crimes 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)

CORDILLERA’S NO. 1 WANTED PERSON ARRESTED FOR 39 COUNTS OF QUALIFIED R**E OF A MINOR

The Philippine National Police, under the command of PNP Chief PGEN Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr., arrested the No. 1 Regional Level Most Wanted Person of the Police Regional Office Cordillera for the third quarter of 2026 during a warrant operation in Dolores, Abra on August 18, 2026.

The suspect, known by the alias “Ernesto,” was apprehended in Barangay Talogtog through the implementation of warrants of arrest by personnel of the 11th Special Action Battalion, Special Action Force (11SAB-SAF), who provided tactical support to the Dolores Municipal Police Station, Abra Police Provincial Office, and other PNP units.

The warrants, issued by the Regional Trial Court Branch 1, 1st Judicial Region, Bangued, Abra, on July 2, 2025, were for 39 counts of Qualified R**e of a Minor. The arrested suspect is now under the custody of Dolores MPS for documentation and proper disposition.

The arrest underscores the PNP’s focused efforts to locate high-priority wanted persons and enforce court-issued warrants, particularly against individuals facing serious criminal charges. The operation also demonstrates the value of tactical support in strengthening the ex*****on of warrant operations in the field.

“Every warrant served brings a wanted person closer to facing the judicial process. The PNP will remain firm in pursuing individuals who evade arrest and ensuring that court orders are carried out,” said PGEN Nartatez.

“Hindi natin hahayaang manatiling malaya ang mga taong may mabibigat na kaso. Hahanapin natin sila at ipatutupad ang mga warrant alinsunod sa batas,” he added.

The operation supports the PNP Focused Agenda, particularly Enhanced Managing Police Operations, through the focused pursuit of wanted persons and enforcement of court-issued warrants.

As the PNP strengthens its pursuit of wanted persons and enforcement of the law 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)

THREE MOST WANTED PERSONS TRACKED DOWN IN SEPARATE OPERATIONS

The Philippine National Police (PNP) arrested three high-ranking wanted persons in separate operations in General Santos City, Oriental Mindoro, and Rizal from August 20 to 21, 2026, including the No. 1 Most Wanted Person in Police Regional Office 4A.

In General Santos City, personnel of Police Station 5 arrested a No. 10 Most Wanted Person of PRO 12 on August 20 by virtue of a warrant of arrest for two counts of Statutory R**e. The arrested individual is currently under police custody as the case proceeds through the proper legal process.

In Gloria, Oriental Mindoro, joint personnel of the Gloria Municipal Police Station, Provincial Intelligence Unit, and 2nd Provincial Mobile Force Company arrested a No. 9 Most Wanted Person of PRO 4B at around 3:25 p.m. the same day. The arrest was made through a warrant issued in connection with a violation of Republic Act No. 10883, or the New Anti-Carnapping Act of 2016. A bail of ₱300,000.00 was recommended by the court.

Meanwhile, in Binangonan, Rizal, personnel of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group–Northern District Field Unit arrested the No. 1 Most Wanted Person of PRO 4A at on August 21. The individual was arrested by virtue of a warrant for two counts of violation of Republic Act No. 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, in connection with the service of sentence.

Chief PNP Police General Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr. said the three operations demonstrate the value of sustained police work, particularly in locating wanted persons whose cases are already before the courts.

“Kapag may warrant, hindi dapat hanggang rekord lang. We have to do the work to locate the person, make the arrest properly, and turn the case over to the courts. That is the responsibility we have to carry out,” PGen Nartatez said.

The operations are part of the PNP’s Focused Agenda, particularly Enhanced Managing Police Operations, which strengthens coordination, information gathering, and purposeful police action in addressing wanted persons and other public safety concerns. These efforts are also in support of the administration of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. in upholding public order and the rule of law.

The PNP stresses that all arrested persons will be afforded due process and that the cases against them will be resolved through the proper judicial proceedings, consistent with its continuing commitment to a “Bagong PNP para sa Bagong Pilipinas: Serbisyong Mabilis, Tapat at Nararamdaman.

(PNP-PIO)

PNP INTERCEPTS P18.29-MILLION TO***CO SHIPMENT IN LANAO DEL SUR

Four individuals were arrested after police intercepted two vehicles carrying an estimated P15.29 million worth of undocumented to***co products in Barangay Matampay, Marantao, Lanao del Sur, early Friday.

The operation, conducted from 4:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., was carried out by the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) Lanao del Sur Provincial Field Unit and Marantao Municipal Police Station, in coordination with the Integrated Provincial Health Office. It followed information received by authorities regarding the alleged unlawful transport of to***co products reportedly originating from Picong and bound for Maguing, Lanao del Sur.

Police recovered 556 master cases of ci******es, along with two vehicles reportedly used to transport the shipment and other pieces of evidence. The recovered items have an estimated overall value of P18.29 million, including the to***co products valued at approximately P15.29 million.

The arrested individuals, aged 20 to 46, were reportedly serving as drivers and helpers. They were informed of the reason for their arrest and apprised of their constitutional rights before being brought to the CIDG Lanao del Sur office for documentation and proper disposition.

Initial examination showed that the recovered to***co products appeared not to comply with requirements under Republic Act No. 10643, or the Graphic Health Warnings Law, and other applicable laws. The case remains subject to further investigation and appropriate legal proceedings.

Chief, PNP Police General Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr. emphasized that enforcement against unlawful trade must be matched by proper procedures and respect for due process.

“We understand that these operations affect more than just the people involved. There are legitimate businesses, consumers, and the country’s economy to consider. Kaya kailangan nating maging alerto, pero at the same time, fair and careful in carrying out our responsibilities,” PGen Nartatez said.

The operation is part of the PNP’s Focused Agenda under Enhanced Managing Police Operations (EMPO), which promotes coordinated and intelligence-supported police action. It also contributes to the administration of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s efforts to protect legitimate economic activities and strengthen enforcement against unlawful trade.

The PNP continues to encourage the public to report information on suspected unlawful activities through proper channels and assures that such reports will be handled in accordance with law and due process, consistent with its commitment to “Bagong PNP para sa Bagong Pilipinas: Serbisyong Mabilis, Tapat, at Nararamdaman.”

(PNP-PIO)

CYBERCRIME UNDER WATCH: PNP ARRESTS 18, FILES 49 CASES

The Philippine National Police (PNP), through its Anti-Cybercrime Group (PNP ACG), turned digital leads into concrete police action, resulting in the arrest of 18 individuals and the filing of 49 cases in nationwide operations conducted from August 7 to 13, 2026.

Of those arrested, seven were apprehended through the implementation of warrants of arrest, while 11 were arrested in entrapment operations. The cases and arrests resulted from coordinated efforts of the PNP ACG’s operating units and regional teams across the country.

Chief PNP Police General Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr. said the results underscore the importance of keeping pace with the changing nature of crime, particularly as more activities move into the digital space.

“Online crime can happen behind a screen, but the harm is real. We continue to improve our capability to trace, verify, and act on information. Ang mahalaga, mabilis ang police response pero maingat din sa bawat hakbang, para matibay ang kaso at napoprotektahan ang publiko,” PGen Nartatez said.

The operations form part of the PNP’s Focused Agenda, particularly under Enhanced Managing Police Operations, strengthening responsive and intelligence-supported action against emerging threats, including those online. This also supports the administration of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. in advancing public safety.

The PNP ACG reminds the public to stay vigilant in online transactions, verify information before sharing or acting on it, and report suspected cybercrime through proper authorities.

As threats evolve, the PNP remains committed to delivering “Bagong PNP para sa Bagong Pilipinas: Serbisyong Mabilis, Tapat, at Nararamdaman,” with capable, responsible, and responsive policing both on the streets and in the digital space.

(PNP-PIO)

PNP TURNS ONLINE LEAD INTO LAW ENFORCEMENT ACTION VS. FAKE DOCUMENTS

The Philippine National Police (PNP), through the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG), arrested a male suspect and dismantled an alleged operation producing counterfeit government documents during a police operation in Sta. Cruz, Manila on August 19, 2026.

The operation was launched after CIDG investigators validated information from a video posted online on August 10 showing the alleged purchase of a fake Philippine passport in Manila. The information was subsequently subjected to verification, surveillance, and other investigative activities that led authorities to the suspected source of the documents.

On August 19, CIDG operatives conducted an operation in Barangay 310, Sta. Cruz, Manila, where the suspect, who is of legal age, was arrested while allegedly engaged in the production of fraudulent documents.

Recovered during the operation were counterfeit Philippine passports, LTO driver’s licenses, NBI clearances, and other allegedly falsified government documents, along with desktop computers, printers, industrial laminating machines, and various materials believed to have been used in producing the documents.

Initial investigation also indicated that the alleged operation offered a counterfeit Philippine passport for around ₱3,500,00 and a fake LTO driver’s license for approximately ₱1,200.00.

The suspect will face appropriate charges for alleged violations of Republic Act No. 11983, or the New Philippine Passport Act, and Article 172 of the Revised Penal Code, in relation to Article 171, concerning falsification of public, official, or commercial documents by private individuals. The suspect will be brought before the National Prosecution Service for appropriate proceedings.

Chief, PNP Police General Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr. said the operation reflects the PNP’s commitment to act on credible information while ensuring that every step is supported by evidence and follows due process.

“Government documents are issued for a purpose, and people should be able to trust them. Kapag may gumagawa o gumagamit ng peke, may naaapektuhang sistema at may mga taong maaaring malagay sa alanganin. Kaya trabaho natin na i-check ang impormasyon, sundan ang ebidensya, at kumilos nang naaayon sa batas,” PGen Nartatez said.

He added that the PNP will continue working with concerned government agencies to protect the integrity of official documents and prevent their misuse.

The operation forms part of the PNP’s Focused Agenda, particularly Enhanced Managing Police Operations, which calls for responsive, intelligence-driven, and evidence-based police action. It also supports the administration of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. in strengthening government systems and protecting the public from activities that undermine legitimate services.

The PNP encourages the public to transact only with authorized government offices and to report information concerning the production, sale, or use of fraudulent government documents to proper authorities.

Through sustained law enforcement, responsible investigation, and respect for due process, the PNP remains committed to delivering a Bagong PNP para sa Bagong Pilipinas: Serbisyong Mabilis, Tapat, at Nararamdaman.

(PNP-PIO)

WANTED PERSON IN TRAFFICKING, LARGE-SCALE ILLEGAL RECRUITMENT CASES ARRESTED IN NORTH COTABATO

The Philippine National Police (PNP), under the command of PNP Chief PGEN Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr., arrested a wanted person facing human trafficking and large-scale illegal recruitment charges during an operation on August 17, 2026, in Magpet, North Cotabato.

The arrested individual is a 50-year-old male, a farmer and banana plantation caretaker and resident of the area. The PNP Anti-Kidnapping Group Mindanao Field Unit (PNP AKG-MFU) served the Warrant of Arrest issued on August 12, 2026, by the Presiding Judge of the Family Court, Ninth Judicial Region, Branch 7, Zamboanga City.

The warrant carries no recommended bail for the Large-Scale Illegal Recruitment charges under Section 4(m) in relation to Section 6(a) of Republic Act No. 9208, as amended by Republic Act No. 11862, and Republic Act No. 8042, as amended by Republic Act No. 10022, while PhP200,000.00 bail was recommended for violation of the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act of 2003.

The arrest was carried out by the PNP AKG-MFU Cotabato Satellite Office in a joint operation with the Police Regional Office 12, Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking, Zamboanga Sea-Based Anti-Trafficking Task Force, Department of Migrant Workers, and Philippine Center on Transnational Crime Western Mindanao Field Office.

“This operation underscores our resolve to pursue individuals facing serious charges involving the exploitation of vulnerable persons. We will remain persistent in locating wanted individuals and ensuring that they are brought before the proper courts to answer for the cases filed against them,” said PGEN Nartatez.

The PNP Focused Agenda guides police transformation and strengthens operational response, with Enhanced Managing Police Operations supporting the pursuit of wanted persons involved in human trafficking and illegal recruitment.

“Hindi natin hahayaang samantalahin ang mga Pilipinong naghahanap ng disenteng trabaho. Ang mga sangkot sa illegal recruitment at human trafficking ay haharap sa kaukulang pananagutan,” he added.

The arrested individual remains under the custody of the PNP AKG-MFU pending the return of the Warrant of Arrest to the issuing court.

As the PNP strengthens its efforts to protect Filipinos from exploitation and pursue those facing trafficking and illegal recruitment charges 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)

ESTAFA CASE CATCHES UP WITH INDIAN NATIONAL IN NUEVA VIZCAYA

The Philippine National Police, under the command of PNP Chief PGEN Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr., apprehended a 55-year-old Indian national wanted for Estafa in Bambang, Nueva Vizcaya on August 20, 2026.

Alias Sukhjit, a 55-year-old widowed businessman residing in Banggot, Bambang, Nueva Vizcaya, was arrested by the Bambang Police Station with assistance from other PNP units, by virtue of a warrant issued on July 8, 2026, by the Regional Trial Court, Second Judicial Region, Branch 29, Bayombong, Nueva Vizcaya.

“Enforcing court-issued warrants is a fundamental responsibility of the police, and we will remain focused on locating individuals who are required to face the charges filed against them,” said PGEN Nartatez.

“Ang pagpapatupad ng batas ay pantay para sa lahat, anuman ang kanilang pinagmulan o katayuan. Titiyakin natin na ang bawat may kinakaharap na kaso ay maihaharap sa tamang proseso ng batas,” he added.

The arrest demonstrates the PNP Focused Agenda, a framework for transformation designed to strengthen police service and improve the organization’s response to criminal activities. It supports the priority on Enhanced Managing Police Operations through the effective implementation of warrants and the pursuit of wanted persons.

As the PNP strengthens the enforcement of court processes and the apprehension of wanted individuals 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)