The Philippine National Police–Highway Patrol Group (PNP-HPG) has arrested a Top 5 city-level most wanted person in Negros Oriental for alleged carnapping, following a manhunt operation conducted on June 23, 2026.
The suspect was collared inside the Male Custodial Facility of the City District Jail of the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) in Dumaguete City, Barangay Bajumpandan.
The operation was carried out by personnel of the Provincial Highway Patrol Team–Negros Oriental under the Regional Highway Patrol Unit in the Negros Island Region, acting on a warrant of arrest issued by the Regional Trial Court, Branch 37, Dumaguete City.
Authorities said the warrant stemmed from a violation of Republic Act No. 10883 or the New Anti-Carnapping Act of 2016, under Criminal Case No. 2026-31653.
Police said the suspect was properly informed of the cause of arrest and was read his constitutional rights in a language he understood.
PNP-HPG Director Police Brigadier General Rommel Batangan commended the operating unit for the successful arrest, citing continued efforts to track down individuals involved in motor vehicle-related crimes.
He said the operation reflects the unit’s sustained intelligence-driven campaign and coordination with other law enforcement agencies to ensure that fugitives are brought to justice.
“The successful arrest of a wanted person for carnapping demonstrates our unwavering commitment to enforcing the law and ensuring that offenders are held accountable,” Batangan said.
He added that the Highway Patrol Group will continue its operations against criminal elements as part of broader efforts to improve public safety and road security nationwide.