The Philippine National Police arrested a most-wanted person facing two counts of statutory rape after a concerned citizen’s tip led to a 12-hour manhunt that ended on June 26, 2026.
The PNP said the operation was carried out under the leadership of PNP Chief Police General Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr.
According to police, the operation stemmed from information immediately acted upon by the Police Regional Office 3.
Authorities said the Regional Special Operations Group 3–Regional Intelligence Division, the PRO3 Cyber Patrol of the Regional Intelligence Division, and the Sta. Maria Municipal Police Station worked together to validate the information through online and social media monitoring.
The intelligence validation enabled police to identify and locate the accused, leading to the successful service of a warrant of arrest for two counts of statutory rape.
The warrant was issued by the Regional Trial Court Branch 61 in Angeles City, Pampanga, with no recommended bail.
“Every wanted person taken into custody strengthens the rule of law and reinforces public confidence that justice will catch up with those who attempt to evade it. We will continue pursuing fugitives through intelligence-driven operations and strong community partnership,” said PGEN Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr.
“Ang tagumpay ng operasyong ito ay patunay na may malaking papel ang mamamayan sa pagpapanatili ng kapayapaan at kaayusan. Sa bawat impormasyong ibinabahagi sa pulisya, mas napapabilis ang pag-aresto sa mga akusado at ang pagpapatupad ng batas,” he added.
The PNP said the successful operation reflects its Focus Agenda, a strategic framework for organizational transformation designed to make the police service more responsive, accountable, and community-centered.
Police said the accomplishment also underscores the priorities of Enhanced Managing Police Operations and Active Community Support, showing how intelligence-driven police action, strengthened by timely information from the public, enables the rapid identification, tracking, and arrest of wanted persons.