Even as the nation observed Labor Day, law enforcement authorities carried out intensified manhunt operations that led to the arrest of four wanted individuals, including a top provincial target.
The Philippine National Police–Highway Patrol Group (PNP-HPG) said the arrests were the result of intelligence-driven operations conducted across Isabela, Quezon City, Pangasinan, and North Cotabato.
The most significant arrest took place in San Mateo, Isabela, where authorities apprehended the province’s No. 1 most wanted suspect around midday. The individual faces charges for violation of Republic Act No. 10883, or the New Anti-Carnapping Act of 2016, with no bail recommended. The operation was carried out by joint elements from the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group, the Highway Patrol Group, and regional intelligence units.
Later in the day, operatives from the Regional Highway Patrol Unit–NCR arrested another high-profile suspect in Novaliches, Quezon City. The individual faces multiple charges, including carnapping, qualified theft, and estafa, with warrants issued by courts in Quezon City, Caloocan, and Manila. Police identified the suspect as a top-ranking wanted person at both provincial and municipal levels.
In Mangaldan, Pangasinan, authorities captured the municipality’s most wanted individual during an operation at a game farm in Barangay Malabago. The suspect is facing charges under Republic Act No. 6539, or the Anti-Carnapping Act of 1972, also with no bail recommended.
Meanwhile, in Magpet, North Cotabato, joint operatives, including members of the Anti-Kidnapping Group, arrested another suspect wanted for rape under the Revised Penal Code. Authorities said the individual also has a separate pending case.
All four suspects are now in police custody and undergoing documentation prior to their turnover to the courts that issued the warrants.
PNP-HPG Acting Director Rommel Batangan said operations will continue regardless of holidays, emphasizing the agency’s commitment to public safety and the pursuit of fugitives.
Authorities also urged the public to remain vigilant and report information on wanted individuals to support ongoing law enforcement efforts.