Police arrested a man wanted for multiple counts of rape and rape by sexual assault in Pampanga less than 24 hours after authorities sought the public’s help through social media.
The suspect, an adult Filipino male, was apprehended on the afternoon of July 9, 2026, in the City of San Fernando during a joint operation involving several Philippine National Police units.
The operation was launched after members of the public provided information on the suspect’s whereabouts.
Police served warrants of arrest issued by a Regional Trial Court in connection with multiple counts of rape and rape by sexual assault.
Following the arrest, other individuals voluntarily approached authorities and provided information about separate incidents allegedly involving the same suspect.
Investigators are now assessing the additional information while observing due process and protecting the rights of all parties involved.
PNP chief Police General Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr. commended the personnel involved in the operation and said the arrest showed how cooperation between the police and the public could speed up law enforcement action.
“Ipinapakita ng insidenteng ito na kapag nagtutulungan ang ating mga kapulisan at ang publiko, mas napapabilis ang pagtugon sa mga sitwasyon na nangangailangan ng agarang aksyon. Ang bawat impormasyon mula sa ating mga kababayan ay mahalaga sa pagpapanatili ng seguridad at kaayusan,” Nartatez said.
He urged the public to continue reporting information that could help authorities solve crimes or prevent threats to communities.
“Patuloy nating hinihikayat ang ating mga kababayan na makipagtulungan sa mga awtoridad. Kung may impormasyon na makatutulong sa paglutas ng mga insidente o pagpigil sa anumang banta sa komunidad, ipaalam ito sa tamang mga tanggapan. Nananatili ang PNP na handang kumilos nang mabilis, tapat, at naaayon sa batas,” he added.
The PNP said it would continue strengthening coordination, police capabilities and operational response under its Focused Agenda and Enhanced Managing Police Operations.