05/07/2026
MOST WANTED R**E FUGITIVE IN EASTERN VISAYAS FALLS IN PNP MANHUNT
The Philippine National Police, under the leadership of PNP Chief PGEN Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr., arrested the No. 3 Most Wanted Person at the Regional Level and No. 1 Most Wanted Person at the Municipal Level in Eastern Visayas during an intelligence-driven operation on July 3, 2026 in Sitio Palanas, Barangay Vigan, General MacArthur, Eastern Samar.
The operation resulted in the arrest of a 49-year-old Filipino male facing three counts of Qualified R**e of a Minor, pursuant to a warrant of arrest issued by the Regional Trial Court, Eighth Judicial Region, Branch 3, Guiuan, Eastern Samar. The offense is non-bailable, and the accused is now under police custody pending turnover to the issuing court.
The operation was carried out by personnel of the General MacArthur Municipal Police Station, with support from the Eastern Samar Police Provincial Intelligence Unit and other assisting police units. The successful arrest removed a high-ranking wanted fugitive from the streets and demonstrated the PNP’s sustained commitment to pursuing individuals facing charges for heinous crimes, particularly those involving the abuse of children.
“This arrest demonstrates that no wanted person can outrun the law forever. Our police units remain relentless in pursuing fugitives, especially those facing charges for heinous crimes, because every successful arrest strengthens public trust in the justice system,” PGEN Nartatez said.
The accomplishment also reflects the PNP Focused Agenda, a strategic framework for organizational transformation aimed at making police service more responsive, professional, and accountable. In line with its key priority of Enhanced Managing Police Operations, the PNP continues to strengthen intelligence gathering and targeted law enforcement efforts to ensure that wanted persons are located and arrested efficiently while safeguarding communities from individuals accused of grave offenses.
“Ang bawat matagumpay na pag-aresto ay bunga ng sipag, tiyaga, at malasakit ng ating mga pulis sa kaligtasan ng mamamayan. Patuloy nating ipatutupad ang batas nang may integridad at respeto sa karapatan ng bawat isa,” he added.
As the PNP intensifies its campaign against wanted persons and other lawless elements to uphold peace, order, and public safety under the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., it continues to assure the public of “Bagong PNP para sa Bagong Pilipinas: Serbisyong mabilis, tapat, at nararamdaman.”