Saul Tarsus

24/08/2026

PNP SUSTAINS FOREST, FISHERIES PROTECTION IN WESTERN VISAYAS; 1,234 APPREHENDED, P78.87M RECOVERED

The Philippine National Police (PNP) continues to strengthen its efforts to protect the country’s forests and fisheries, with 1,234 individuals apprehended and natural resources and equipment valued at approximately P78.87 million recovered in Western Visayas from May 22 to August 15, 2026.

The accomplishment reflects sustained police operations against activities that threaten the country’s natural resources, carried out in coordination with concerned government agencies, local authorities, and communities.

Of the total, 928 individuals were apprehended in 537 operations against illegal fishing. Police recovered fish and other fishing-related items valued at more than P1.27 million, along with fishing equipment and paraphernalia estimated at P74.84 million.

Meanwhile, operations against illegal logging resulted in 306 apprehensions in 772 operations, with recovered lumber and other forest products valued at about P2.30 million, as well as confiscated charcoal worth an estimated P460,360.00.

Chief PNP Police General Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr. said the results underscore the importance of sustained police presence and cooperation in protecting resources that communities depend on.

“Ang mga ilog, dagat, at kagubatan ay hindi lang likas na yaman. Bahagi ito ng buhay ng maraming Pilipino. Kaya kung may banta rito, may responsibilidad din tayong kumilos,” PGen Nartatez said.

The operations form part of the PNP’s Focused Agenda, particularly Enhanced Managing Police Operations (EMPO), which calls for responsive and coordinated police action against threats to public safety and community welfare.

The PNP will continue to work with partner agencies and local communities to strengthen enforcement and prevention efforts, consistent with the administration of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and its commitment to protecting the country’s natural resources while supporting the welfare of communities.

These efforts reinforce the PNP’s commitment to the “Bagong PNP para sa Bagong Pilipinas: Serbisyong Mabilis, Tapat at Nararamdaman,” by delivering police service that is visible, responsible, and responsive to the needs of the Filipino people.

(PNP-PIO)

24/08/2026

WANTED MURDER SUSPECT DIES IN MAGUINDANAO DEL SUR OPERATION

A wanted murder suspect was killed while police officers were serving a warrant of arrest in Barangay Kuloy, Shariff Aguak, Maguindanao del Sur early Sunday morning, following an armed confrontation that also left his wife injured and another companion arrested.

The operation was carried out by personnel of the Maguindanao del Sur Provincial Mobile Force Company, Shariff Aguak Municipal Police Station, and Provincial Intelligence Unit, with intelligence support from the Police Regional Office Bangsamoro Autonomous Region.

The warrant was issued in connection with a murder case filed in 2014. Police said the wanted man, known by the alias “London,” fired at the operating team after officers identified themselves and called on him to surrender peacefully. The officers returned fire in response.

The suspect was brought to a medical facility but was declared dead on arrival. His wife, who was injured during the exchange of gunfire, is receiving medical treatment and assistance from police personnel.

Another companion, identified by the alias “Cobra,” was arrested after he was found in possession of a hand gr***de and will face the appropriate charges.

Chief PNP Police General Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr. said the incident underscores the risks police officers face when carrying out lawful duties, while emphasizing the need for restraint, discipline, and adherence to established procedures.

“We know the risks that come with this job, but every operation must still be handled with discipline and care. Ang mahalaga, our officers act within the law and do everything possible to resolve an encounter without unnecessary harm,” PGen Nartatez said.

He also directed concerned units to ensure that the circumstances surrounding the incident are properly documented and reviewed, particularly with regard to the injury sustained by the suspect’s wife.

The operation forms part of the PNP’s continuing effort to locate wanted persons and address threats to public safety under the Enhanced Managing Police Operations (EMPO) pillar of the PNP Focused Agenda. It also supports President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s call for stronger peace and order efforts and more responsive public service.

The PNP remains committed to carrying out its mandate with professionalism, accountability, and respect for the law, consistent with its commitment to a “Bagong PNP para sa Bagong Pilipinas: Serbisyong Mabilis, Tapat, at Nararamdaman.”

(PNP-PIO)

24/08/2026

24/08/2026

OVER P2.2 MILLION WORTH OF SUSPECTED SMUGGLED CI******ES RECOVERED IN ZAMBOANGA, SULU

The Philippine National Police (PNP) recovered more than P2.29 million worth of suspected smuggled ci******es in separate operations in Zamboanga City and Sulu on August 22, reinforcing efforts to prevent the illegal movement of goods and protect legitimate businesses and government revenues.

In Zamboanga City, police personnel recovered 385 reams of ci******es estimated at P1.15 million along the shoreline of Miramar Flamingo, Barangay Sinunuc. The operation was carried out by personnel of Police Station 8 and the 2nd City Mobile Force Company of Zamboanga City Police Office, together with the Regional Special Operations Unit 9.

In Sulu, police personnel recovered 20 master cases of ci******es valued at approximately P1.146 million in the vicinity of Sitio Maidan, Barangay Buansa, Indanan.

The recovered ci******es will undergo proper disposition in coordination with the appropriate government agencies.

Chief PNP Police General Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr. said the accomplishment reflects the PNP’s continuing effort to address smuggling through focused police operations and coordination with partner agencies.

“Every successful operation like this helps protect both the public and legitimate businesses. Hindi natin kailangang hintayin na lumaki ang problema bago kumilos. If there is credible information, our personnel should be ready to respond and coordinate with the proper authorities,” PGen Nartatez said.

The operations are consistent with the PNP Focused Agenda, particularly Enhanced Managing Police Operations, which calls for responsive, intelligence-led, and coordinated police action against activities that affect public safety and lawful commerce.

The PNP continues to support the administration of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. in strengthening law enforcement and promoting an environment where legitimate businesses can operate fairly and communities remain secure. These efforts form part of the PNP’s commitment to “Bagong PNP para sa Bagong Pilipinas: Serbisyong Mabilis, Tapat, at Nararamdaman,” through police service that is responsive, accountable, and felt by the public.

(PNP-PIO)

24/08/2026

PNP HONORS FALLEN COP AFTER PAGADIAN CITY ARMED ENCOUNTER

The Philippine National Police (PNP) mourns the death of PMAJ Aiman Khuzaimah P. Pantaran, an intelligence officer assigned to the Pagadian City Police Station, who was killed while carrying out a law enforcement operation in Pagadian City early Sunday, August 23, 2026.

PMAJ Pantaran was fatally wounded during an armed encounter that occurred in the course of an operation targeting suspected illegal firearm activity. Two male suspects also died from gunshot wounds sustained during the incident.

The PNP is conducting the appropriate investigation and crime scene processing to establish the circumstances surrounding the encounter. Authorities have secured the area and are gathering relevant evidence as part of the ongoing investigation.

Chief PNP Police General Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr. expressed condolences to the family and colleagues of PMAJ Pantaran, while underscoring the importance of discipline and accountability in every police operation.

“We recognize the ultimate sacrifice of our police officer and extend our deepest condolences to his family. At the same time, we will carefully establish what happened and ensure that the proper procedures are followed. Sa bawat operasyon, mahalaga ang tapang, pero kaakibat nito ang disiplina at pananagutan.”

The operation is part of the PNP’s continuing efforts under its Focused Agenda, particularly Enhanced Managing Police Operations, which promotes purposeful, accountable, and responsive police action. These efforts support the administration of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. in strengthening public safety while upholding the rule of law.

As the PNP honors PMAJ Pantaran’s service and sacrifice, the organization remains committed to protecting communities through responsible and responsive policing, consistent with its commitment to “Bagong PNP para sa Bagong Pilipinas: Serbisyong Mabilis, Tapat, at Nararamdaman.”

(PNP-PIO)

24/08/2026

NO. 9 REGIONAL MOST WANTED PERSON CAUGHT IN SARANGANI; FACES 4 CHILD PROTECTION LAW COUNTS

The Philippine National Police (PNP) has arrested a No. 9 Most Wanted Person in a focused law enforcement operation in Glan, Sarangani, reinforcing its continuing efforts to bring wanted individuals before the proper authorities through lawful and accountable police work.

The wanted person, a Filipino of legal age, was arrested on August 22, 2026, by personnel of the PNP Anti-Kidnapping Group–Mindanao Field Unit, Glan Municipal Police Station, and Sarangani Maritime Police Station. The arrest was carried out by virtue of a warrant of arrest issued in connection with four counts of violation of Republic Act No. 7610, or the Special Protection of Children Against Abuse, Exploitation and Discrimination Act.

The arrested individual is currently under the custody of the Glan Municipal Police Station for appropriate legal proceedings. The courts have set recommended bail at P180,000 for each count.

Chief PNP Police General Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr. commended the operating units for carrying out the arrest with professionalism and respect for due process.

“We will continue to locate and arrest wanted persons, but we will do it the right way. Walang shortcut sa police work; kailangan laging may disiplina, tamang proseso, at respeto sa batas,” PGen Nartatez said.

He added that the arrest reflects the PNP’s continuing commitment to make police operations more focused, deliberate, and responsive to the needs of communities, particularly in cases involving the protection of children.

The operation forms part of the PNP’s Focused Agenda under Enhanced Managing Police Operations, which emphasizes intelligence-driven, coordinated, and lawful police action against wanted persons and other threats to public safety.

The PNP continues to strengthen its law enforcement efforts in support of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s call for a safer and more orderly Philippines, while upholding accountability and respect for the rule of law.

Through sustained police operations and close coordination with communities and partner agencies, the PNP remains committed to delivering the “Bagong PNP para sa Bagong Pilipinas: Serbisyong Mabilis, Tapat, at Nararamdaman”—police service that is responsive, responsible, and felt where it matters most.

(PNP-PIO)

24/08/2026

PNP SALUTES COURAGE, DISCIPLINE OF OFFICERS IN CAMARINES SUR INCIDENT

The Philippine National Police (PNP) commended its personnel in Camarines Sur for maintaining restraint and prioritizing peaceful intervention before taking necessary action to protect a fellow officer and prevent further harm during an armed incident on August 22.

Personnel of the San Jose Municipal Police Station responded to a report of an armed individual in Zone 1, Barangay Calalahan, San Jose, Camarines Sur. Upon arrival, the responding team, led by PSSg Noli M. Miraña, initially attempted to communicate with the individual and peacefully de-escalate the situation.

The situation suddenly escalated when the individual charged at the officers and attacked PSSg Miraña with a bolo, causing severe injuries to his left hand and face. His fellow officers immediately intervened to protect him and prevent further harm, taking necessary action to stop the threat.

PSSg Miraña and the individual were promptly brought to a medical facility for treatment and later transferred to the Bicol Medical Center. The PNP continues to ensure that appropriate assistance is extended to its injured personnel.

Chief PNP Police General Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr. commended the courage and professionalism of the responding officers, particularly their effort to peacefully manage the situation before it escalated.

“I commend PSSg Noli M. Miraña for his courage and professionalism, and his fellow officers for immediately coming to his aid. Despite the danger they faced, they remained focused on protecting lives and bringing the situation under control,” PGen Nartatez said.

“Our officers are trained to talk first, de-escalate when possible, and use force only when necessary to protect life. Pero kapag may agarang panganib na, they must have the courage and sound judgment to act. That is responsible policing,” he added.

The incident underscores the risks faced by police personnel who respond to calls for assistance, often without knowing what they will encounter upon arrival. It also highlights the importance of disciplined and measured police action, with the safety of the public and responding personnel kept at the center of every operation.

The response forms part of the PNP’s Focused Agenda, particularly Enhanced Managing Police Operations, which strengthens the capability of police personnel to respond effectively, responsibly, and proportionately to situations requiring immediate intervention.

The PNP remains committed to supporting its personnel who perform their duties under difficult circumstances while upholding the administration of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s call for a professional and responsive police service.

Guided by its commitment to a “Bagong PNP para sa Bagong Pilipinas: Serbisyong Mabilis, Tapat, at Nararamdaman,” the organization will continue to protect lives, maintain public safety, and serve communities with professionalism and compassion.

(PNP-PIO)

23/08/2026

PNP SEIZES P13.16M IN ILLEGAL MINING EQUIPMENT, MINERAL ORES; ARRESTS 3 IN ILIGAN

The Philippine National Police, under the leadership of PNP Chief PGEN Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr., scored a major breakthrough against illegal mining with the arrest of three individuals and the seizure of approximately P13.16 million worth of mining equipment and alleged mineral ores on Wednesday in Iligan City.

The operation was conducted by the Police Regional Office 10 through its operating units, in partnership with DENR-CENRO Iligan and Task Force Kinaiyahan of the Local Government Unit of Iligan, with support from other PNP units and in coordination with Iligan City Police Office Police Station 6, on August 19, 2026, in Sitio Binasan, Barangay Rogongon, Iligan City.

Arrested were “Rom,” 35; “Nel,” 45; and “Andoy,” 61, all males and residents of Cagayan de Oro City. The operation stemmed from information provided by a confidential informant regarding alleged illegal mining activities in the area, prompting authorities and partner government agencies to conduct OPLAN KALIKASAN, an operation against illegal mining.

Upon reaching the area, operating personnel found several individuals allegedly engaged in illegal mining. While some fled, the three suspects were apprehended and brought into custody.

Seized were one heavy-duty backhoe, one crawler excavator, one fire hose, two blue plastic hoses, one bilingan, one improvised separator, eight water pumps of various brands, and one-half sack of alleged mineral ores, with a total estimated value of P13,160,000.00. The inventory was conducted in an orderly manner in the presence of DENR-CENRO Iligan forest rangers and barangay officials.

The arrested individuals and confiscated evidence were brought to the CIDG Iligan City Field Unit Office for proper disposition. A case for violation of Presidential Decree No. 705, or the Revised Forestry Code of the Philippines, is being prepared for inquest filing before the Office of the City Prosecutor of Iligan City.

PGEN Nartatez emphasized that the PNP will remain firm in protecting the country’s natural resources and holding accountable those who exploit them through unlawful activities.

“Illegal mining will not be allowed to undermine our laws and damage our natural resources. We will act on credible information and pursue those who violate the law,” the PNP Chief said.

He added: “Hindi natin hahayaang abusuhin ang ating likas na yaman. Mananagot sa batas ang sinumang mapatunayang sangkot sa ilegal na pagmimina.”

The operation supports the PNP Focused Agenda, a framework for organizational transformation that strengthens police operations, particularly through the key priority of Enhanced Managing Police Operations and intelligence-driven action against unlawful activities.

As the PNP strengthens its campaign against activities that threaten the environment and violate Philippine laws 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)

23/08/2026

₱6.1M COOKING OIL SHIPMENT, TRUCKS HALTED OVER MISSING SOURCE DOCUMENTS

A police operation in Puerto Princesa City, Palawan resulted in the recovery of cooking palm oil and two trucks with a combined estimated value of ₱6,190,992.00 after an individual reportedly failed to present documents showing the source of the product.

The operation was conducted by personnel of the Special Operations Unit of the Puerto Princesa City Police Office, with support from Police Station 2 and the City Mobile Force Company, in Barangay Bacungan, on August 20, 2026.

Police first recovered 18 liters of cooking oil allegedly sold to an undercover police officer. A subsequent inspection led to the recovery of additional cooking palm oil stored in various containers, including two trucks carrying approximately 3,600 liters and 5,400 liters of the product.

The recovered cooking oil was estimated at ₱880,992.00, while the two trucks were valued at approximately ₱3.7 million and ₱1.61 million, respectively, bringing the total estimated value of the recovered items to ₱6,190,992.00.

The individual remains under police custody together with the recovered products and vehicles as appropriate charges are being prepared for referral to the City Prosecutor’s Office.

Chief, PNP Police General Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr. said the operation demonstrates the importance of acting on information that may affect legitimate commerce and consumers while ensuring that enforcement remains grounded on evidence and due process.

“Kapag may kahina-hinalang galaw sa mga produktong pumapasok sa merkado, kailangan nating tingnan agad at maayos. The goal is not simply to make an arrest, but to make sure that legitimate businesses and consumers are protected and that every action we take can stand up to proper scrutiny,” PGen Nartatez said.

The operation forms part of the PNP’s Enhanced Managing Police Operations, one of the pillars of its Focused Agenda, which emphasizes responsive and coordinated police action based on reliable information. It likewise supports the administration of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. in promoting orderly economic activity and protecting the public from unlawful practices.

The PNP will continue to coordinate with concerned government agencies in addressing activities that may affect the lawful movement and sale of essential goods, while ensuring that persons involved are accorded due process, consistent with the “Bagong PNP para sa Bagong Pilipinas: Serbisyong Mabilis, Tapat at Nararamdaman.”

(PNP-PIO)