Maribeth Butron - Gementiza

19/08/2026

PNP ORDERS FULL INVESTIGATION INTO ZAMBOANGA CITY SCHOOL SHOOTING INCIDENT

The Philippine National Police (PNP) has ordered a full investigation into the reported shooting incident at a private high school campus in Zamboanga City this morning, August 18, 2026.

Concerned units of the Zamboanga City Police Office, Regional Forensic Unit 9–Scene of the Crime Operations (RFU9-SOCO), Regional Intelligence Division, Regional Criminal Investigation Unit, and the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) Zamboanga City Field Unit are working together to establish the circumstances of the incident.

Investigators are currently gathering and validating information, while forensic personnel process the scene and secure evidence relevant to the investigation.

The PNP is also coordinating with the school and other concerned authorities to support the safety of those on campus and facilitate the proper handling of the situation.

The PNP assures the school community, the families involved, and the public that the incident is being thoroughly looked into. The police will allow the evidence and verified information to guide the investigation, and will refrain from making conclusions while the fact-finding process is ongoing.

The PNP likewise appeals to the public to exercise restraint in sharing unverified reports, photographs, or videos related to the incident, particularly materials involving students and other affected individuals.

The privacy and welfare of those involved remain a priority. Further information will be released as soon as facts are verified and appropriate for public disclosure.

PGEN JOSE MELENCIO C. NARTATEZ, JR.
Chief, Philippine National Police

19/08/2026

PNP PROBES SHOOTING INCIDENT AT PRIVATE SCHOOL IN ZAMBOANGA CITY

The Philippine National Police (PNP) is conducting a thorough investigation into a reported shooting incident at a private school in Barangay Lunzuran, Zamboanga City, at around 7:50 a.m. today.

Initial police information indicated that the incident involved two students. A Grade 9 student was identified in the initial report as the alleged shooter, while a Grade 10 student was reported among those affected. The PNP is withholding their identities and other personal details in consideration of their age and privacy.

Police are also verifying reports that fi****ms were brought into the school premises and used during the incident. Investigators are determining how the fi****ms entered the campus, their ownership and legal status, and the circumstances surrounding their use.

Responding police personnel secured the area, while the Regional Forensic Unit 9–Scene of the Crime Operations (RFU9-SOCO) conducted a crime scene examination. Investigators from concerned PNP units are likewise pursuing parallel leads to establish the full circumstances of the incident.

Chief PNP Police General Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr. directed the concerned units to ensure a careful, evidence-based investigation while giving due consideration to the privacy and welfare of the students and their families.

“Ang prayoridad natin ngayon ay maayos nating malaman ang buong pangyayari at mapanatiling maingat ang ating imbestigasyon. We will follow the facts, coordinate with the concerned authorities, and respect the privacy of the students and their families. Let us allow the proper process to take its course,” PGen Nartatez said.

The PNP recognizes that incidents involving students require a measured response that protects both public safety and the rights of those involved. The police organization is also coordinating with concerned authorities as the investigation progresses, particularly on matters involving fi****ms and school security.

The investigation forms part of the PNP Focused Agenda, particularly Enhanced Managing Police Operations, which emphasizes timely, coordinated, and appropriate police action based on the actual circumstances of every incident. This is consistent with the administration's continuing public safety efforts under the leadership of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.

The PNP urges the public to avoid spreading unverified information, photographs, videos, or personal details involving the students and their families. Further information will be released as the investigation establishes verified facts, consistent with the “Bagong PNP para sa Bagong Pilipinas: Serbisyong Mabilis, Tapat, at Nararamdaman.”

(PNP-PIO)

19/08/2026

PNP RAMPS UP RESCUE, RELIEF EFFORTS AS HABAGAT IMPACTS COMMUNITIES

The Philippine National Police (PNP) continues to sustain nationwide rescue, relief, and public safety operations in areas affected by the enhanced Southwest Monsoon (Habagat), with hundreds of police personnel deployed to assist communities experiencing flooding, road disruptions, and displacement.

The PNP has mobilized 689 personnel for disaster response duties, including search and rescue, assistance at evacuation centers, road clearing, relief operations, and public safety patrols. Police units have likewise deployed mobility assets such as patrol vehicles, buses, coasters, and transport trucks to support the movement of affected residents and delivery of assistance.

As part of these efforts, police units have also provided Libreng Sakay services in affected areas, using available PNP mobility assets to help residents reach safer locations and evacuation centers, particularly those needing immediate transportation assistance.

Across affected regions, police teams assisted in search, rescue, and retrieval operations, helping save 180 individuals and supporting local government relief initiatives. A total of 164 relief operations were supported by the PNP, while police units also initiated additional assistance activities for communities requiring immediate aid.

The PNP remains focused on ensuring public safety in evacuation centers, maintaining order in affected communities, and keeping vital roads accessible for emergency response. Police personnel continue to coordinate closely with local government units, other response agencies, and volunteers as part of a whole-of-government approach being pursued under the administration of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.

These continuing efforts are aligned with the PNP Focused Agenda, particularly under Enhanced Managing Police Operations, which emphasizes timely response, efficient deployment of resources, and stronger coordination during emergencies.

Chief PNP, Police General Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr., commended the dedication of police responders serving in difficult conditions.

"Sa panahon ng kalamidad, ang tunay na sukatan ng serbisyo ay kung gaano tayo kabilis makatugon at makapagbigay ng tulong sa mga nangangailangan. Sa ating mga kababayan, makaaasa kayo na ang inyong PNP ay patuloy na nakaalalay—mula sa pagresponde, paglikas, hanggang sa paghahatid ng tulong. Hindi kami titigil hangga’t hindi ligtas ang bawat komunidad," PGen Nartatez said.

He also reminded police personnel nationwide to remain compassionate and professional in carrying out their duties, emphasizing that disaster response is not only about operations, but also about giving comfort and assurance to affected families.

As weather disturbances continue to affect several parts of the country, the PNP assures the public that all units remain on heightened readiness, with responders and mobility assets positioned for immediate deployment whenever needed, in keeping with the commitment of the Bagong PNP para sa Bagong Pilipinas: Serbisyong Mabilis, Tapat at Nararamdaman.

(PNP-PIO)

19/08/2026

BARANGAY LEADERS HELP TURN OVER 20 LOOSE FI****MS IN ANTIQUE

The Philippine National Police (PNP) continues to strengthen its partnership with communities as local leaders in Antique helped facilitate the voluntary turnover of 20 loose fi****ms and six rounds of ammunition, reflecting the growing role of citizens in keeping their communities safe.

The fi****ms were voluntarily turned over on August 14 during a community engagement activity in Valderrama, Antique, with the participation of 17 Punong Barangays who coordinated with local police in encouraging residents to surrender fi****ms that were not properly authorized or registered.

The turned-over fi****ms consisted of eight homemade long-barreled bolt-action shotguns, ten .38-caliber revolvers, and two .22 Magnum fi****ms. The activity formed part of the continuing police effort to account for loose fi****ms and encourage their voluntary surrender through appropriate channels.

For Chief PNP Police General Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr., the accomplishment shows what can happen when police work is matched by community cooperation.

“Kapag may tiwala, mas madaling magtulungan. Hindi lang ito tungkol sa mga baril na isinuko—mas mahalaga na may mga barangay leaders na handang makipag-ugnayan at tumulong sa pagpapanatili ng seguridad sa kanilang lugar. We want that kind of partnership to grow, because public safety works best when police and communities move together.”

The initiative is consistent with the PNP Focused Agenda, particularly Enhanced Managing Police Operations, which emphasizes responsive police work supported by coordination and community participation. It also supports the administration of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. in promoting safer and more peaceful communities through strengthened public cooperation and responsible law enforcement.

The PNP encourages individuals who may still have loose or unauthorized fi****ms to coordinate with the nearest police station and follow the proper procedures for their lawful turnover. Through sustained police-community partnership, the PNP remains committed to building safer communities and advancing the “Bagong PNP para sa Bagong Pilipinas: Serbisyong Mabilis, Tapat, at Nararamdaman.”

(PNP-PIO)

19/08/2026

PNP ANTI-DRUG DRIVE NETS OVER ₱227 MILLION IN ILLEGAL DRUGS, 12 ARRESTED IN CORDILLERA

The Philippine National Police (PNP) intensified its campaign against illegal drugs in the Cordillera region, resulting in the seizure of more than ₱227 million worth of illegal drugs and the arrest of 12 individuals in operations conducted from August 10 to 16, 2026.

Police units in the Cordillera Administrative Region carried out 17 operations during the period, including ma*****na eradication activities, buy-bust operations, implementation of warrants, and police responses. These efforts led to the recovery of approximately 1.12 million fully grown ma*****na plants, 50,000 seedlings, 150 grams of dried ma*****na leaves and fruiting tops, and 8.49 grams of suspected shabu, with a combined estimated value of ₱227,015,732 based on standard drug pricing.

The 12 arrested individuals are now facing appropriate charges under Republic Act No. 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002. The operations were carried out by police units across the region, with significant recoveries recorded in Kalinga, Mountain Province, Baguio City, Apayao, and Benguet.

Chief PNP Police General Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr. said the results show the importance of staying consistent in the fight against illegal drugs, especially in areas where ma*****na cultivation continues to be a concern.

“Malaking bagay na napipigilan natin ang mga ito bago pa makarating sa ating mga komunidad. Pero hindi dito nagtatapos ang trabaho. Tuloy lang tayo, kasi bawat operasyon may katumbas na mga pamilyang pinoprotektahan natin,” PGen Nartatez said.

The operations form part of the PNP’s Focused Agenda, particularly Enhanced Managing Police Operations, which strengthens police action through focused operations, proper coordination, and responsible enforcement while respecting the rights of every person.

The PNP continues to work with local communities and partner agencies in support of the administration of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to keep communities safe and protect families, especially young people, from the effects of illegal drugs.

PGen Nartatez said the PNP will continue to focus on areas where illegal drugs are being produced or moved, while ensuring that police operations remain within the bounds of the law.
The PNP will sustain lawful and focused operations against illegal drugs while strengthening prevention, community cooperation, and accountability, consistent with its commitment to a “Bagong PNP para sa Bagong Pilipinas: Serbisyong Mabilis, Tapat, at Nararamdaman.”

(PNP-PIO)

19/08/2026

PNP SEIZES ₱2.2-M WORTH OF ILLEGAL FISHING ITEMS, APPREHENDS 21 IN ONE DAY

The Philippine National Police, under the command of PGEN Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr., intensified its enforcement of fishery laws as Police Regional Office 8 (PRO-8) apprehended 21 individuals in separate anti-illegal fishing operations across Leyte, Southern Leyte, and Biliran on August 16, 2026.

In Leyte, three individuals were apprehended in separate operations in the seawaters of Matalom, Isabel, and Bato. The operations resulted in the confiscation of fishing boats, spear guns, fishing nets, compressors, flashlights, and assorted illegally caught fish with a combined estimated value of ₱67,750.00.

In Southern Leyte, three individuals were apprehended in separate operations in Limasawa, Pintuyan, and Saint Bernard for violations of local fishery ordinances, including fishing without the required license and the use of unregistered boats and fishing equipment. The confiscated items had a combined estimated value of ₱14,100.00 and were placed under the custody of the concerned police stations and local authorities.

Meanwhile, in Biliran, 15 individuals were apprehended during three anti-illegal fishing operations in the territorial waters of Culaba. The operations yielded fishing boats, motor engines, fishing nets, and assorted illegally caught fish with a combined estimated value of ₱2,129,200.00, which were turned over to the appropriate authorities for proper disposition.

Overall, the one-day operations resulted in the apprehension of 21 individuals and the confiscation of fishing boats, fishing equipment, and illegally caught fish with a combined value of ₱2,211,050.00.

The operations were conducted by personnel of the concerned municipal police stations through seaborne patrols and enforcement activities, in coordination with local government units, Bantay-Dagat personnel, and municipal agriculture offices.

PGEN Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr. stressed that protecting the country’s marine resources requires firm enforcement against unlawful fishing activities. “Our coastal waters are valuable public resources, and the PNP will take decisive action against those who disregard fishery laws.”

He also underscored the importance of protecting the livelihood of legitimate fisherfolk. “Pangalagaan natin ang ating karagatan dahil dito nakasalalay ang kabuhayan ng maraming mangingisda.”

The operations reflect the PNP Focused Agenda, particularly Enhanced Managing Police Operations, by strengthening focused enforcement against activities that threaten coastal communities and marine resources.

As the PNP strengthens the protection of the country’s marine 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)

19/08/2026

18/08/2026

PNP ARRESTS U.S. NATIONAL SUBJECT OF WARRANT ISSUED IN CALIFORNIA

The Philippine National Police (PNP) arrested a 45-year-old U.S. national who is the subject of an outstanding warrant issued in Sacramento, California, during an operation in Dumaguete City, Negros Oriental on Tuesday, August 11, 2026.

The individual was located at a lodging establishment in Barangay Calindagan, Dumaguete City and was taken into police custody based on the outstanding warrant related to a parole violation.

The arrested individual is temporarily under the custody of the Dumaguete City Police Station for proper disposition and coordination with the appropriate authorities.

Chief PNP Police General Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr. said the PNP will continue to act on valid warrants while ensuring that every person is treated fairly and that established legal procedures are observed.

“We have a duty to act when there is a valid warrant, but we also have a duty to do it the right way. Walang shortcut—lawful process, proper coordination, and respect for the rights of the person concerned must always go together,” PGen Nartatez said.

The arrest is part of the PNP’s continuing effort to strengthen the implementation of valid warrants through Enhanced Managing Police Operations, one of the key thrusts of the PNP Focused Agenda.

Under the leadership of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., the PNP remains committed to professional, lawful, and responsive policing, consistent with the “Bagong PNP para sa Bagong Pilipinas: Serbisyong Mabilis, Tapat, at Nararamdaman,” while upholding due process and the rule of law.

(PNP-PIO)

18/08/2026

SWIFT COMMUNITY ACTION FOILS ATTEMPT TO TAKE ₱120K EQUIPMENT

A suspected theft involving construction equipment worth approximately ₱120,000.00 was promptly addressed after community safety personnel in Barangay Tandang Sora, Quezon City apprehended two individuals and recovered the dismantled equipment on August 8, 2026.

The incident came to light when a company representative heard repeated hammering sounds inside a construction compound and checked the area. He reportedly found a 54-year-old dump truck driver, who had been with the company for about 15 years, dismantling the equipment.

The individual later identified a 35-year-old utility driver from a sister company as allegedly having assisted in the dismantling and movement of the equipment.

Barangay Public Safety Officers (BPSO) responded, secured the area, and took the two individuals into custody. The recovered equipment was likewise secured and turned over together with the suspects to the local police station for proper investigation and disposition.

The two individuals are facing a complaint for Qualified Theft under Article 310 of the Revised Penal Code. They will remain entitled to due process, and the determination of their liability rests with the proper authorities and the courts.

Chief, PNP Police General Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr. said the incident demonstrates the value of alertness and immediate coordination at the community level.

“Hindi kailangang malaki agad ang insidente bago tayo kumilos. Kapag may nakitang kahina-hinalang kilos, ang mabilis na pag-alerto at tamang pagresponde can prevent further loss and help authorities establish what really happened,” PGen Nartatez said.

He added that the PNP will continue strengthening coordination with local communities and safety partners as part of its Enhanced Managing Police Operations under the PNP Focused Agenda, ensuring that police response remains timely, appropriate, and grounded in established procedures.

The PNP’s efforts support the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to strengthen public safety and responsive government service by ensuring that concerns raised at the community level receive appropriate police attention.

The PNP likewise reminds the public to remain vigilant, report suspicious activities through proper channels, and allow authorities to handle cases through established legal processes—part of building a Bagong PNP para sa Bagong Pilipinas: Serbisyong Mabilis, Tapat, at Nararamdaman.

(PNP-PIO)

18/08/2026