Je Ann B. Serra

27/08/2026

27/08/2026

ILLEGAL QUARRYING HALTED: 7 ARRESTED, ₱16M IN EQUIPMENT AND MATERIALS SEIZED

The Philippine National Police, under the command of PNP Chief PGEN Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr., arrested seven individuals during an operation against alleged illegal quarrying in Moises Padilla, Negros Occidental on August 25, 2026.

Personnel of the Regional Special Operations Group (RSOG) of the Police Regional Office–Negros Island Region (PRO-NIR), together with the Moises Padilla Municipal Police Station (MPS) and the Mines and Geosciences Bureau–Negros Island Region (MGB-NIR), conducted joint operations along the Binalbagan River following information on alleged unauthorized quarrying activities in the area.

Arrested were seven Filipino males, aged 28 to 45, including a 44-year-old backhoe driver from Binalbagan; a 30-year-old dump truck driver from Hinigaran; a 28-year-old quarry checker from Moises Padilla; a 37-year-old dump truck driver from La Castellana; a 40-year-old dump truck driver from La Castellana; a 42-year-old helper from La Castellana; and a 45-year-old dump truck driver from Hinigaran.

The individuals were allegedly caught in the act of extracting, collecting, loading, and transporting sand, gravel, rocks, and other quarry resources from the riverbed using a backhoe and dump trucks. When asked to present the required permits, authorities, or other documents authorizing the extraction and transportation of quarry resources, they failed to produce valid documentation.

The operation resulted in the seizure of one backhoe, four dump trucks, and approximately 60 cubic meters of sand and gravel. The four dump trucks were estimated at ₱12,000,000.00, the backhoe at ₱4,000,000.00, and the extracted sand and gravel at ₱25,000.00, bringing the total estimated value of the seized equipment and materials to ₱16,025,000.00.

The apprehended individuals were informed of their constitutional rights in a language known to and understood by them before being brought to Moises Padilla MPS for documentation and proper disposition. The seized equipment and quarry materials were likewise turned over to the same police station for safekeeping, inventory, documentation, and appropriate legal proceedings.

“This operation demonstrates our resolve to enforce the law against activities that unlawfully exploit our natural resources. We will remain firm in holding violators accountable while working with our partner agencies to protect resources that belong to the Filipino people,” PGen Nartatez said.

“Ang ating likas na yaman ay dapat pangalagaan at gamitin nang naaayon sa batas. Hindi natin hahayaang maabuso ang mga yamang ito para sa pansariling interes, lalo na kung kapalit nito ang pagkasira ng ating kapaligiran,” he added.

The operation supports the PNP Focused Agenda, particularly Enhanced Managing Police Operations, through decisive enforcement against illegal quarrying activities and the protection of natural resources.

As the PNP strengthens its enforcement against illegal activities that threaten the country’s natural resources 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)

27/08/2026

BROTHERS COLLARED IN CEBU; KG9, HANDGUNS, GR***DE SEIZED

The Philippine National Police, under the command of PNP Chief PGEN Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr., arrested two brothers and seized a KG9 submachine gun, two handguns, and a hand gr***de during a search warrant operation in Sibonga, Cebu, on August 25, 2026.

The operation was conducted by the CIDG Cebu City Field Unit, Regional Intelligence Unit 7, Regional Mobile Force Company 7, and Sibonga Municipal Police Station in Barangay Manatad for violation of Republic Act No. 10591, or the Comprehensive Fi****ms and Ammunition Regulation Act.

The younger brother was arrested while in possession and control of the KG9 submachine gun, a caliber .45 pistol, and a hand gr***de, while the older brother was found with a caliber .357 revolver. Both failed to present the required licenses or permits to own and possess fi****ms, which were not duly registered with the PNP Fi****ms and Explosives Office.

Incidental to the lawful arrest of the younger brother, police also recovered three sachets of medium heat-sealed transparent plastic containing white crystalline substance suspected to be shabu.

“This operation demonstrates the PNP’s resolve to prevent unauthorized fi****ms and explosives from becoming instruments of violence. We will sustain focused enforcement against individuals who disregard the law and put communities at risk,” PGEN Nartatez said.

“Hindi natin hahayaang mapunta sa maling kamay ang mga armas na maaaring gamitin sa krimen. Mahigpit nating ipatutupad ang batas upang mapanatili ang seguridad ng ating mga komunidad,” he added.

The operation supports the PNP Focused Agenda, a framework for transformation that strengthens police operations and advances the priority on Enhanced Managing Police Operations through focused enforcement against unlawful fi****ms possession.

As the PNP strengthens its campaign against illegal fi****ms and dangerous weapons 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)

27/08/2026

PNP SAFELY RESCUES TEEN, ARRESTS FATHER IN PANGASINAN HOSTAGE INCIDENT

Police officers safely rescued an 18-year-old woman and arrested her father following a police intervention in Bugallon, Pangasinan on Monday afternoon, August 24, 2026.

The incident began after the Bugallon Municipal Police Station received a distress call. Responding officers, later reinforced by personnel from the Pangasinan Police Provincial Office and its tactical team, found the suspect armed with a bolo and the victim inside the residence.

Police negotiators first worked to de-escalate the situation and were able to persuade the suspect to put down the weapon. When the situation became unsafe again and the victim was placed at further risk, police personnel carried out a coordinated intervention that resulted in the suspect being safely restrained and the victim being immediately brought to safety.
The rescued woman was provided medical attention and appropriate psychological support, while the arrested suspect remains in police custody as authorities proceed with the filing of appropriate charges.

Chief PNP Police General Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr. commended the responding personnel for keeping the victim’s safety at the center of the operation while exercising restraint and sound judgment throughout the incident.

“Our officers did what they were trained to do: they assessed the danger, tried to calm the situation, and stepped in when necessary. Ang mahalaga, ligtas ang biktima at naibalik ang kontrol sa sitwasyon,” PGen Nartatez said.

The police response reflects the PNP’s commitment to the Enhanced Managing Police Operations component of its Focused Agenda, particularly in ensuring that police interventions are responsive, measured, and centered on the protection of life. It also supports the administration of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. in strengthening public safety and ensuring that government services reach communities when they are needed most.

The PNP continues to remind the public that anyone facing an immediate threat or witnessing a dangerous situation should promptly seek police assistance and avoid taking matters into their own hands. Through responsive policing and responsible community participation, the PNP continues to uphold its commitment to Bagong PNP para sa Bagong Pilipinas: Serbisyong Mabilis, Tapat at Nararamdaman.

(PNP-PIO)

27/08/2026

FIVE COMMUNIST TERRORIST MEMBERS SURRENDER, ARMS TURNED OVER IN EASTERN VISAYAS, BICOL

The Philippine National Police, under the command of PGEN Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr., Chief, PNP, recorded significant peace and security gains with the voluntary surrender of five Communist Terrorist members and the turnover and recovery of fi****ms and explosive devices in Eastern Visayas and Bicol.

On August 24, 2026, in Catarman, Northern Samar, personnel of the 1st Northern Samar Provincial Mobile Force Company, in coordination with the Catarman Municipal Police Station, facilitated the surrender of alias “Rey,” a 35-year-old male farmer and Yunit Militia member affiliated with the CTG under FC-2, SRC Emporium. He voluntarily turned over one homemade shotgun, locally known as a “Bardog,” along with two live rounds.

Also on August 24, 2026, in Quinapondan, Eastern Samar, personnel of the Quinapondan Municipal Police Station, together with the Police Intelligence Team-Eastern Samar, Regional Intelligence Unit 8, 2nd Eastern Samar Provincial Mobile Force Company, and personnel of the Provincial Intelligence Unit of the Eastern Samar Police Provincial Office, facilitated the surrender of alias “Tony,” a 63-year-old male farmer and Yunit Militia member. He surrendered one homemade shotgun without a serial number and one live round.

Meanwhile, on August 21, 2026, in Labo, Camarines Norte, personnel of the 9th Special Action Battalion, Special Action Force, together with other PNP and Armed Forces of the Philippines units, facilitated the voluntary surrender of three Communist Terrorist members under KLG 1, SRC 1. The surrenderers were identified only by their aliases “Asyong,” also known as “Baki” and “Jaz,” a PSR-listed member, and “Troy” and “Joy,” both non-PSR-listed members.

Information provided during a tactical interview led authorities to an arms cache in Sitio Malapat, Barangay Baay, Labo, Camarines Norte. Recovered were two M16 rifles, one M14 rifle, and two Claymore mines. The three former CTG members were placed under the custody of the 95th Military Intelligence Company, 9th Infantry Division, Philippine Army, while the recovered fi****ms and explosives were secured for documentation and proper disposition.

The two other former CTG members who surrendered in Northern Samar and Eastern Samar were likewise placed under the custody of the concerned operating units for documentation and assessment for possible enrollment in the government’s Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP).

Overall, the operations resulted in the surrender of five Communist Terrorist members and the turnover or recovery of five fi****ms, two Claymore mines, and three live rounds in Northern Samar, Eastern Samar, and Camarines Norte.

These accomplishments support the PNP Focused Agenda, particularly Enhanced Managing Police Operations, in addressing security concerns through focused action.

“We will sustain our efforts to encourage more members of armed groups to abandon violence and choose the path of peace. Every successful surrender helps create safer communities and opens an opportunity for former combatants to rebuild their lives,” said PGEN Nartatez.

“Ang bawat pagsuko ay pagkakataon upang wakasan ang karahasan at makapagsimula muli. Hinihikayat natin ang iba pang kasapi ng Communist Terrorist Group na piliin ang kapayapaan at bumalik sa kanilang pamilya at komunidad,” he added.

The accomplishments demonstrate the PNP’s sustained efforts to address armed threats while providing opportunities for former Communist Terrorist members to return peacefully to their families and communities.

As the PNP strengthens its peace and security efforts 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)

27/08/2026

BFP PERSONNEL ARRESTED OVER ALLEGED “SLOT-FOR-SALE” DEAL

The Philippine National Police (PNP) has arrested a Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) personnel in Pampanga in connection with an alleged scheme involving the offer of a recruitment slot to an aspiring BFP applicant, reinforcing the PNP’s commitment to protecting the integrity of government recruitment processes.

The suspect, a female BFP personnel of legal age, was arrested on August 24, 2026, in a parking area of a food establishment in Barangay Maimpis, San Fernando City, Pampanga. The operation was carried out by personnel of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) Zambales and Pampanga Provincial Field Units, the Regional Special Operations Group of Police Regional Office 3, San Fernando City Police Station, and BFP Region 3.

The operation stemmed from a complaint involving an aspiring BFP applicant who was allegedly offered a recruitment slot in exchange for payment. The arrest and subsequent investigation are being undertaken in accordance with established procedures, with the rights of all parties respected.

Chief PNP Police General Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr. said the PNP will continue to support efforts that keep government recruitment fair, transparent, and free from practices that could undermine public confidence.

“Ang pagpasok sa serbisyo publiko ay hindi dapat nabibili. We will continue to act when there are complaints or indications that the recruitment process is being misused. At the same time, we will make sure that every investigation is handled properly and fairly,” PGen Nartatez said.

The operation is in line with the PNP Focused Agenda, particularly Enhanced Managing Police Operations, which emphasizes responsive and accountable police action while strengthening public trust in law enforcement. It also supports the administration of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. in promoting integrity and accountability in public service.

The PNP reminds the public, particularly applicants to uniformed services, to remain cautious of individuals who claim they can guarantee recruitment slots, appointments, or favorable results in exchange for money. Concerns or suspected irregularities may be reported to the proper authorities for appropriate action.

The PNP will continue working with partner agencies to uphold the integrity of government processes and ensure that police service remains responsive to the needs of the public, consistent with the vision of a Bagong PNP para sa Bagong Pilipinas: Serbisyong Mabilis, Tapat at Nararamdaman.

(PNP-PIO)

27/08/2026

A YEAR OF LEADERSHIP, A PNP UNITED IN SERVICE

The men and women of the Philippine National Police proudly mark a year of leadership under PGEN JOSE MELENCIO C. NARTATEZ, JR., Chief, PNP.

Congratulations on a year of dedicated service toward a Bagong PNP para sa Bagong Pilipinas: Serbisyong Mabilis, Tapat, at Nararamdaman.

27/08/2026

27/08/2026

PNP REMINDS PUBLIC: BOMB JOKES ARE NO JOKE

The Philippine National Police (PNP) reminded the public, particularly students and young people, to take security protocols seriously after a 20-year-old college student was placed under police custody following an alleged bomb-related joke at a school campus in Argao, Cebu.

The incident happened on August 25 at the Cebu Technological University–Argao Campus, when a security guard conducting routine bag inspections heard the student make a remark suggesting that there could be a bomb inside his bag. A subsequent check found no explosive or prohibited item in the bag.

The student, identified only by the alias “Clark,” was taken into custody by the Argao Municipal Police Station and is facing proceedings for an alleged violation of Presidential Decree No. 1727, or the Anti-Bomb Joke Law.

Chief PNP Police General Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr. said security measures in schools and other public places are in place to help prevent threats and keep people safe, and should therefore be treated with responsibility.

“Even if it is meant as a joke, a statement about a bomb can cause fear and disrupt the normal activities of an entire community. We should be mindful of what we say, especially in places where people expect to feel safe. A simple joke is not worth creating unnecessary alarm,” PGen Nartatez said.

He added that the PNP will continue to work with schools, security personnel, local authorities, and other stakeholders in maintaining safe learning environments while respecting the rights of everyone involved.

The PNP said the incident also highlights the importance of cooperation with established security procedures, particularly in schools where students, faculty, personnel, and visitors share the same space. This is consistent with the PNP Focused Agenda, particularly Enhanced Managing Police Operations, which emphasizes responsive and preventive police action in support of public safety.

The PNP likewise encourages the public to avoid making, spreading, or sharing unverified bomb threats or similar statements that may cause unnecessary concern. Under PD 1727, bomb jokes and false bomb threats may carry legal consequences.

As the PNP continues to support the peace and security priorities of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., the organization calls for greater awareness and responsibility from everyone because keeping communities safe is a shared responsibility—and this is at the heart of a Bagong PNP para sa Bagong Pilipinas: Serbisyong Mabilis, Tapat at Nararamdaman.

(PNP-PIO)