THE Philippine National Police (PNP) successfully apprehended a DILG-listed national most wanted person in Sta. Rosa City, Laguna, on August 28, 2026, ending a manhunt that spanned more than 20 years.
The 46-year-old suspect was arrested by the Regional Special Operations Group–Regional Intelligence Division 3 (RSOG-RID3), in coordination with other PNP units, based on a warrant of arrest for murder issued by the Regional Trial Court Branch 17 in Zamboanga City.
A reward of ₱90,000 was offered for information leading to his capture.
The accused had been wanted in connection with a 2003 murder case.
Despite the warrant being issued in January 2004, he evaded arrest for over two decades, eventually making it to the Department of the Interior and Local Government’s (DILG) list of National Most Wanted Persons.
The arrest was the result of persistent intelligence gathering, verification of records, and effective information sharing among police units and government agencies, which ultimately led to the suspect’s location and capture.
Following his arrest, the suspect was brought to the RSOG3 Custodial Facility at Camp Olivas in San Fernando, Pampanga, for documentation before being presented to the appropriate court.
General Nartatez stressed, “Time does not erase accountability. Every valid warrant deserves action, and the PNP will pursue wanted persons through lawful, deliberate, and intelligence-driven police operations.” He added, “Hindi hadlang ang lumipas na panahon sa pagpapatupad ng batas. Kapag may warrant, hahanapin at aarestuhin natin ang taong dapat managot sa korte.”
The arrest closes a long chapter of evasion and reaffirms the PNP’s commitment to locating wanted persons and ensuring they face justice.
