06/08/2026
PNP ARRESTS 21 WANTED PERSONS NATIONWIDE, INCLUDING TOP-RANKED INDIVIDUALS IN MOST WANTED LISTS
The Philippine National Police (PNP) continues to intensify its nationwide manhunt operations after arresting 21 wanted persons, including several individuals listed among the Top Most Wanted Persons in their respective areas, during a series of operations conducted on August 3 and 4, 2026.
Among those apprehended were individuals ranked as No. 1 Most Wanted Persons in Police Regional Offices 5 and 4B, along with other high-ranking wanted personalities from different regions. The arrested persons were facing various criminal charges, including murder, r**e, statutory r**e, qualified theft, carnapping, kidnapping, and violations of Republic Act No. 9165, among others.
In Masbate, authorities arrested a No. 1 Most Wanted Person of Police Regional Office 5 who was facing multiple charges, including murder and attempted murder. Meanwhile, a No. 1 Most Wanted Person of PRO 4B was also arrested in Romblon for multiple counts of qualified r**e of a minor.
Other notable arrests included a No. 7 Most Wanted Person in Samar for murder, a No. 4 Most Wanted Person in Occidental Mindoro for r**e, and a No. 8 Most Wanted Person in Iloilo for r**e by carnal knowledge. Several other wanted persons listed at the regional and provincial levels were likewise taken into custody in coordinated operations across the country.
The operations were carried out by different police units through intelligence-driven efforts and close coordination among local police offices, Criminal Investigation and Detection Group units, Regional Intelligence Units, Police Mobile Forces, and other partner law enforcement units.
These accomplishments reflect the PNP’s continued commitment to strengthening its crime prevention and law enforcement efforts under the PNP Focused Agenda, particularly the Enhanced Managing Police Operations (EMPO), which promotes proactive, intelligence-based, and coordinated police actions to keep communities safe.
Chief PNP Police General Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr. emphasized that the successful arrests demonstrate the PNP’s resolve to ensure that wanted persons are accounted for and made to face the proper judicial process.
“Hindi po titigil ang ating mga kapulisan sa paghahanap sa mga taong may pananagutan sa batas. Every arrest is a step toward safer communities and stronger public trust. We will continue to use lawful and focused operations to bring wanted individuals before the courts,” PGen Nartatez said.
The Chief PNP also assured the public that all arrested individuals were informed of their rights and are now under the custody of the appropriate police units for proper documentation and disposition in accordance with existing procedures.
Aligned with the directives of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to strengthen public safety and uphold the rule of law, the PNP remains committed to delivering responsive and accountable service. Through the continued support of the community and the dedication of police personnel, the PNP carries forward its commitment to the “Bagong PNP para sa Bagong Pilipinas: Serbisyong Mabilis, Tapat, at Nararamdaman.”
(PNP-PIO)
