Two suspects were arrested in a hot pursuit operation following the killing of a teacher whose body was found in Barangay Alang-Alang, Quinapondan, Eastern Samar on June 8, 2026.
The Philippine National Police identified the arrested suspects only by their aliases “Joel” and “Jeric.”
Police said the pursuit operation was launched by the Quinapondan Municipal Police Station and the Sta. Rita Municipal Police Station, with support from the 805th Maneuver Company of the Regional Mobile Force Battalion 8.
The suspects were arrested in Barangay Guinbalot-an, Sta. Rita, Samar after allegedly fleeing from the crime scene.
Authorities said the suspects were informed of their constitutional rights and placed under police custody. They were later turned over to the Quinapondan Municipal Police Station for documentation and the filing of appropriate charges.
Investigators also recovered the victim’s motorcycle, which police said was used by the suspects in escaping after the incident.
The motorcycle is now under the custody of the Sta. Rita Municipal Police Station while investigators continue to gather evidence and determine the full circumstances behind the killing.
PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said the arrest showed the police force’s capability to immediately pursue suspects in violent crimes.
“This arrest demonstrates that those who commit violent crimes cannot simply evade the law by fleeing from one place to another. Our police forces will relentlessly pursue offenders and ensure that they are brought before the justice system,” Nartatez said.
“Hindi kami titigil hangga’t napapanagot ang mga taong sangkot sa karumal-dumal na krimen. Malinaw ang mensahe namin: walang lugar ang mga kriminal sa ating mga komunidad,” he added.
Nartatez said the operation reflected the PNP’s continuing efforts to strengthen law enforcement and sustain pursuit operations against persons involved in serious crimes.
“Every successful operation strengthens public confidence in law enforcement and reinforces our commitment to protect communities from criminal elements. We will continue to act decisively against those who threaten peace and public safety,” he said.
“Sa bawat pag-aresto sa mga taong lumalabag sa batas, ipinapakita natin na may kakayahan at determinasyon ang kapulisan na protektahan ang mamamayan at panatilihin ang kaayusan,” he added.
The PNP said it will continue to intensify efforts to track down and arrest persons involved in violent crimes as part of its campaign for faster and more responsive police service.