The Philippine National Police (PNP) arrested 31 of its most wanted persons across the country within a 24-hour period, even as thousands of officers were simultaneously deployed to secure Labor Day-related activities nationwide.
From 8 am of May 1 to 8 am of May 2, 2026, coordinated police operations led to the capture of fugitives in multiple regions, including Metro Manila, Ilocos, Central Luzon, CALABARZON, Bicol, Western and Eastern Visayas, Northern Mindanao, and Caraga, the PNP said.
The arrests formed part of continuing law enforcement operations conducted alongside heightened public safety duties for Labor Day gatherings and demonstrations.
Among those apprehended were individuals facing serious criminal charges, including rape, statutory rape, qualified rape, murder, sexual offenses involving minors under Republic Act 7610, trafficking in persons, syndicated estafa, carnapping, robbery with homicide, and violations of Republic Act 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act.
Police reported notable arrests including a suspect in Bulacan wanted for two counts of rape and acts of lasciviousness, another in Quezon province facing statutory rape charges, and a top regional wanted person in Biliran linked to frustrated murder and robbery with homicide cases. Additional arrests were made in Leyte, Isabela, and Negros Occidental involving multiple counts of violent and sexual offenses.
Operations were carried out at different times of the day, from early morning to evening, through joint efforts of city and municipal police stations, Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) units, intelligence teams, and regional mobile force battalions.
PNP Chief Police General Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said the results demonstrate the police force’s ability to maintain law enforcement operations even while managing large-scale public safety responsibilities.
“Habang naka-focus tayo sa Labor Day security kahapon, tuloy ang paghahabol natin sa mga wanted persons. Hindi humihinto ang serbisyo ng PNP,” Nartatez said.
He added that the coordinated operations highlight effective collaboration among field units in ensuring both public order and the enforcement of warrants.
“Ang mahalaga dito, sabay ang seguridad ng publiko at ang pagpapatupad ng batas,” he said.
The PNP said the operation aligns with its Focused Agenda under Enhanced Managing Police Operations, which emphasizes intelligence-driven policing and sustained nationwide law enforcement efforts.
All arrested individuals are now under the custody of their respective units for documentation and legal proceedings.
The police force reiterated its commitment to continuous operations under its “Bagong PNP para sa Bagong Pilipinas” campaign, stressing that law enforcement remains active and responsive even during major national events.