A 31-year-old fish vendor listed as the No. 8 most wanted person in Metro Manila was arrested during an operation in Barangay 175, Caloocan City on June 24, 2026.
Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said the suspect was arrested by operatives of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group-Northern District Field Unit (CIDG-NDFU) through a warrant for three counts of statutory rape.
The warrant was issued by the Presiding Judge of the Family Court, National Capital Judicial Region Branch 1 in Caloocan City. No bail was recommended for the accused.
Authorities said the suspect was peacefully arrested at his residence and was later brought to the CIDG-NDFU office for documentation and proper disposition.
The PNP said the operation forms part of its intensified campaign against wanted persons, particularly those facing serious criminal charges and included in the regional most wanted list.
“We remain firm in ensuring that those accused of grave offenses are brought before the proper courts so that justice may take its course,” Nartatez said.
“Hindi kami hihinto sa paghahanap at pag-aresto sa mga may mabibigat na kaso hanggang sila ay maiharap sa hustisya,” he added.
The PNP said the arrest reflects its continuing effort to strengthen law enforcement operations, improve accountability, and sustain public trust under its Focus Agenda.
Authorities also said the campaign against wanted persons in Metro Manila will continue under the directive of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and the PNP’s program, “Bagong PNP para sa Bagong Pilipinas: Serbisyong mabilis, tapat, at nararamdaman.”