Police arrested one of the most wanted fugitives in the Bicol Region in an operation in Quezon province, as the Philippine National Police (PNP) intensified its nationwide campaign against individuals facing serious criminal charges.
The suspect, identified by authorities as the No. 3 Most Wanted Person at the provincial level under the Police Regional Office 5, was arrested on May 16 in Barangay Talolong, Lopez, Quezon.
The operation was conducted by joint elements of the Paracale Municipal Police Station, the Intelligence Unit, and the 2nd Provincial Mobile Force Company of the Camarines Norte Police Provincial Office, in coordination with the 503rd Maneuver Company of the Regional Mobile Force Battalion 5.
Police said the accused was arrested by virtue of standing warrants for three counts of qualified rape involving a minor, all carrying no recommended bail, and four counts of sexual assault with a recommended bail of P800,000.
Following the arrest, the suspect was placed under the custody of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG)-Cavite Provincial Field Unit for documentation and other legal procedures.
PNP chief Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said the arrest underscores the police organization’s continuing drive against fugitives accused of grave offenses, particularly crimes committed against minors.
“Walang puwang sa lipunan ang mga taong nananamantala at sumisira sa kinabukasan ng kabataan. Hahabulin namin kayo, aarestuhin, at pananagutin sa ilalim ng batas,” Nartatez said.
The PNP chief added that no wanted person would be allowed to evade accountability under the law as authorities continue to strengthen manhunt operations nationwide.
“No fugitive is beyond the reach of the law. The PNP will continue to intensify manhunt operations against individuals accused of grave offenses and ensure that communities remain protected from criminal elements,” he said.
The PNP said the operation forms part of its broader public safety and law enforcement initiatives under its “Bagong PNP para sa Bagong Pilipinas” campaign, which aims to strengthen police visibility and criminal enforcement efforts across the country.