Imperyo Romano

21/08/2026

PNP STATEMENT ON FIREARM RECOVERED FROM MINOR IN CEBU

The Philippine National Police (PNP) confirms the recovery of a firearm from a Grade 9 student in Pinamungajan, Cebu, on August 20, 2026.

According to the initial investigation, the firearm was discovered inside the student’s school bag during a school bag inspection, prompting the school administration to immediately coordinate with the police. The firearm was recovered without ammunition and is now under police custody for proper safekeeping and disposition.

The firearm is allegedly owned by the minor’s grandfather. The PNP is still verifying the ownership and circumstances surrounding its possession. If established, appropriate accountability will be determined in accordance with existing laws.

In accordance with Republic Act No. 9344, or the Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act, the minor was turned over to the Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office for appropriate intervention. The child’s guardian and concerned barangay officials were likewise coordinated with.

The PNP appreciates the vigilance of the school personnel and their prompt coordination with authorities, which helped ensure that the matter was immediately addressed.

The PNP reminds parents, guardians, and firearm custodians to keep fi****ms properly secured and inaccessible to children and unauthorized persons. Schools and communities are likewise encouraged to promptly coordinate with authorities whenever safety concerns arise.

The PNP remains committed to working with schools, families, and communities to help maintain safe learning environments while protecting the rights and welfare of children.

PGEN JOSE MELENCIO C. NARTATEZ, JR.
Chief, Philippine National Police

20/08/2026

WANTED PASSENGER ARRESTED AT NAIA OVER TWO OUTSTANDING WARRANTS

A joint police and airport security operation resulted in the arrest of a woman with two outstanding warrants at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 1 on August 15, 2026.

The 48-year-old Filipino passenger had arrived from Los Angeles, USA, when authorities confirmed that she was the subject of warrants issued by courts in Cebu City for Kidnapping and Serious Illegal Detention and Estafa. Both warrants carried no recommended bail.

Personnel of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group–Regional Field Unit 7 (CIDG-RFU7) and NAIA Police Station 1, with support from the Bureau of Immigration and airline security, facilitated the implementation of the warrants and took the woman into custody.

She was informed of the grounds for her arrest and apprised of her constitutional rights before being turned over to CIDG-RFU7 for documentation and appropriate legal proceedings.

PNP Chief, Police General Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr., said the operation reflects the value of timely information-sharing and coordinated action in carrying out court-issued processes.

“Kapag may valid court order, we have a responsibility to act on it. At the same time, we have to make sure that the process is proper, lawful, and respectful of everyone’s rights,” PGen Nartatez said.

The accomplishment supports the PNP’s Enhanced Managing Police Operations under its Focused Agenda, particularly its continuing efforts to strengthen operational coordination and ensure the effective implementation of lawful police actions.

Under the leadership of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., the PNP continues to strengthen its capabilities and partnerships in support of professional and accountable law enforcement, advancing the “Bagong PNP para sa Bagong Pilipinas: Serbisyong Mabilis, Tapat at Nararamdaman” through police service that is responsive, lawful, and grounded on the rule of law.

(PNP-PIO)

19/08/2026

PNP ARRESTS SIX MOST WANTED PERSONS FACING MURDER, R**E CASES IN NATIONWIDE OPERATIONS

Six high-value wanted persons were arrested in separate police operations across the country on August 18, 2026, as the Philippine National Police (PNP) continued its nationwide efforts to locate individuals with standing warrants and ensure that they face the appropriate legal proceedings.

The operations resulted in the arrest of six regional-level Most Wanted Persons, including the No. 1 Most Wanted Person in the Cordillera Administrative Region, the No. 2 in Isabela, and the No. 5 in Agusan del Sur. Three other wanted persons listed among the No. 7 and No. 10 in the Soccsksargen area were also apprehended, including one arrested in Maguindanao del Sur through coordinated operations involving police units from different areas.

In Dolores, Abra, authorities arrested the No. 1 Most Wanted Person in the Cordillera region, who was facing 39 counts of Qualified R**e of a Minor. The arrest was carried out through a warrant of arrest and coordinated efforts involving local police, the PNP Special Action Force, Regional Mobile Force units, and intelligence personnel.

In Cauayan City, Isabela, the No. 2 Most Wanted Person in the province was served a warrant for Murder while under custody at the Cauayan City District Jail. In Trento, Agusan del Sur, the No. 5 regional wanted person was arrested in connection with two counts of Qualified R**e of a Minor.

Three other wanted persons were apprehended in Maguindanao del Sur, Sultan Kudarat, and Cotabato. These included a No. 7 Most Wanted Person in PRO 12 wanted for two counts of Murder, and two No. 10 wanted persons in Sultan Kudarat and Cotabato, facing cases for Murder and three counts of R**e, respectively.

The warrants served in the reported cases carried no bail recommendation, based on the court-issued processes. The arrested persons were placed under the custody of the appropriate police or custodial authorities pending the next stages of their respective cases.

Chief PNP Police General Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr. said the operations demonstrate the value of sustained police work and coordination, particularly when dealing with wanted persons who may have remained outside the reach of authorities.

“We remain focused on doing the job right—from locating persons with standing warrants to carrying out the arrest properly. May proseso tayong sinusunod, at tungkulin nating tiyaking maayos ang bawat hakbang habang hinahayaan ang korte na magpasya sa kaso,” PGen Nartatez said.

The PNP stressed that the arrests were made pursuant to warrants issued by the courts and that the rights of the arrested persons remain protected throughout the legal process. Their guilt or innocence will ultimately be determined by the courts.

The sustained operations are part of the PNP’s Focused Agenda, particularly Enhanced Managing Police Operations, which promotes coordinated and accountable police action in addressing wanted persons and other public safety concerns. These efforts support the administration of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. in strengthening the rule of law and ensuring that communities remain safe and secure.

With the continued cooperation of police units and partner agencies, the PNP remains committed to ensuring that lawful police action reaches those who are subject to judicial processes, consistent with its commitment to “Bagong PNP para sa Bagong Pilipinas: Serbisyong Mabilis, Tapat at Nararamdaman.”

(PNP-PIO)

18/08/2026

PNP SEIZES ₱2.2-M WORTH OF ILLEGAL FISHING ITEMS, APPREHENDS 21 IN ONE DAY

The Philippine National Police, under the command of PGEN Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr., intensified its enforcement of fishery laws as Police Regional Office 8 (PRO-8) apprehended 21 individuals in separate anti-illegal fishing operations across Leyte, Southern Leyte, and Biliran on August 16, 2026.

In Leyte, three individuals were apprehended in separate operations in the seawaters of Matalom, Isabel, and Bato. The operations resulted in the confiscation of fishing boats, spear guns, fishing nets, compressors, flashlights, and assorted illegally caught fish with a combined estimated value of ₱67,750.00.

In Southern Leyte, three individuals were apprehended in separate operations in Limasawa, Pintuyan, and Saint Bernard for violations of local fishery ordinances, including fishing without the required license and the use of unregistered boats and fishing equipment. The confiscated items had a combined estimated value of ₱14,100.00 and were placed under the custody of the concerned police stations and local authorities.

Meanwhile, in Biliran, 15 individuals were apprehended during three anti-illegal fishing operations in the territorial waters of Culaba. The operations yielded fishing boats, motor engines, fishing nets, and assorted illegally caught fish with a combined estimated value of ₱2,129,200.00, which were turned over to the appropriate authorities for proper disposition.

Overall, the one-day operations resulted in the apprehension of 21 individuals and the confiscation of fishing boats, fishing equipment, and illegally caught fish with a combined value of ₱2,211,050.00.

The operations were conducted by personnel of the concerned municipal police stations through seaborne patrols and enforcement activities, in coordination with local government units, Bantay-Dagat personnel, and municipal agriculture offices.

PGEN Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr. stressed that protecting the country’s marine resources requires firm enforcement against unlawful fishing activities. “Our coastal waters are valuable public resources, and the PNP will take decisive action against those who disregard fishery laws.”

He also underscored the importance of protecting the livelihood of legitimate fisherfolk. “Pangalagaan natin ang ating karagatan dahil dito nakasalalay ang kabuhayan ng maraming mangingisda.”

The operations reflect the PNP Focused Agenda, particularly Enhanced Managing Police Operations, by strengthening focused enforcement against activities that threaten coastal communities and marine resources.

As the PNP strengthens the protection of the country’s marine resources under the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., it assures the public of “Bagong PNP para sa Bagong Pilipinas: Serbisyong Mabilis, Tapat, at Nararamdaman.”

(PNP-PIO)

17/08/2026

PNP SEIZES OVER ₱7 MILLION WORTH OF SUSPECTED SMUGGLED CI******ES IN ZAMBOANGA, PAMPANGA

The Philippine National Police (PNP) seized more than ₱7.02 million worth of suspected smuggled ci******es and arrested eight individuals in separate anti-smuggling operations conducted in Zamboanga Sibugay and Pampanga on August 16 and 17, 2026.

In Imelda, Zamboanga Sibugay, police arrested two Filipino individuals, both of legal age, during a checkpoint operation on August 16. The operation led to the recovery of 40 master cases of suspected smuggled ci******es valued at approximately ₱2.292 million.

Later that day, in Ipil, Zamboanga Sibugay, another operation resulted in the arrest of one Filipino individual, legal age, and the recovery of 30 master cases of New Berlin ci******es valued at approximately ₱1.719 million.

In Tungawan, Zamboanga Sibugay, police arrested another Filipino individual, legal age, at about 2:20 a.m. on August 17. Authorities recovered 20 master cases and 249 reams of suspected smuggled ci******es, with an estimated value of ₱1.430 million.

Meanwhile, in Mexico, Pampanga, four Filipino individuals, all of legal age, were arrested at about 1:09 a.m. on August 17 during an operation that resulted in the recovery of various suspected smuggled ci******es valued at approximately ₱1.581 million.

The arrested individuals and recovered items were placed under police custody for documentation and proper disposition, with the cigarette shipments subject to turnover to the Bureau of Customs (BOC) for appropriate action.

Chief PNP Police General Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr. said the PNP will continue to work closely with partner agencies to protect legitimate businesses and help ensure that goods entering communities are properly accounted for.

“We want our people and businesses to know that we are paying attention to this kind of activity. Kapag may nakikitang kahina-hinalang shipment o transportasyon ng mga produkto, mahalaga ang mabilis na koordinasyon sa mga awtoridad. Our job is to act on what is reported and make sure that every operation is handled properly and within the law,” PGen Nartatez said.

The operations reflect the PNP’s continuing implementation of its Focused Agenda, particularly Enhanced Managing Police Operations, through coordinated field operations and strengthened cooperation with government partners. These efforts support the administration of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. in promoting orderly communities and a fair environment for legitimate commerce.

The PNP likewise reminds the public to remain vigilant and report information on suspected smuggling activities through the proper authorities. With the continuing support of communities and partner agencies, the PNP remains committed to the “Bagong PNP para sa Bagong Pilipinas: Serbisyong Mabilis, Tapat, at Nararamdaman,” ensuring that police action is responsive, lawful, and felt where it matters most.

(PNP-PIO)

15/08/2026

PNP NABS NATIONAL MOST-WANTED CARNAPPING FUGITIVE IN LAGUNA

The Philippine National Police, under the command of PNP Chief PGEN Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr., arrested a national most-wanted fugitive in Laguna on August 14, 2026, ending the manhunt for an accused facing a serious carnapping charge.

The 23-year-old Filipino male, a resident of Guinobatan, Albay, was apprehended in Purok 3, Barangay Sirang Lupa, Calamba City, Laguna, through an intelligence-driven operation conducted by personnel of the Regional Highway Patrol Unit 5, Regional Headquarters Intelligence, Philippine Highway Patrol Team Albay, and the 1st Albay Provincial Mobile Force Company.

Police served the Warrant of Arrest issued by the Regional Trial Court, Fifth Judicial Region, Branch 4, Legazpi City, for violation of Section 3 of Republic Act No. 10883, or the New Anti-Carnapping Act of 2016, with no bail recommended.

The arrest resulted from intelligence gathering and operational efforts that led police to locate the wanted accused outside his home province. He remains under temporary police custody for proper disposition before the warrant is returned to the issuing court.

“This arrest demonstrates that police intelligence and field operations can close the distance between wanted persons and the justice system. We will keep strengthening our efforts to locate individuals with standing warrants and ensure that they face the charges filed against them,” PGEN Nartatez said.

“Hindi nagtatapos sa isang operasyon ang ating tungkulin. Paiigtingin natin ang pagtugis sa mga sangkot sa carnapping at ang pagpapatupad ng mga hakbang upang maiwasan ang ganitong krimen,” he added.

The operation supports the PNP Focused Agenda by strengthening police service and operational effectiveness through Enhanced Managing Police Operations, particularly in locating wanted persons and enforcing lawful court processes.

As the PNP strengthens its pursuit of wanted persons and reinforces the rule of law under the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., it assures the public of “Bagong PNP para sa Bagong Pilipinas: Serbisyong Mabilis, Tapat, at Nararamdaman.”

(PNP-PIO)

14/08/2026

13/08/2026

PNP-PDEA SUSTAIN ANTI-DRUG DRIVE WITH ₱150-MILLION MA*****NA ERADICATION IN KALINGA

The Philippine National Police (PNP) eradicated an estimated ₱150 million worth of ma*****na during an operation in Tinglayan, Kalinga on Wednesday, August 12, 2026, preventing a large volume of illegal drugs from reaching communities.

Police operatives, working with the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA), uprooted approximately 750,000 fully grown ma*****na plants planted across an estimated 50,000-square-meter communal forest area in Barangay Loccong.

The operation was conducted by personnel from the Kalinga Provincial Drug Enforcement Unit, Provincial Intelligence Unit, local police stations, mobile force units, and PDEA Kalinga.

The uprooted plants were documented and destroyed on site, while samples were secured for proper examination and disposition.

The operation reflects the PNP's continued focus on disrupting the supply of illegal drugs at their source, consistent with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s call for sustained and coordinated efforts to protect communities from the effects of illegal drugs. It also forms part of the PNP Focused Agenda, particularly Enhanced Managing Police Operations, through intelligence-led and coordinated police action.

Chief PNP Police General Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr. said the operation demonstrates the importance of sustained police presence and coordination in preventing illegal drugs from reaching communities.

“Malaking bagay ang ganitong operation because we are able to address the problem where it starts. Hindi lang ito tungkol sa dami ng halaman na napuksa; it is about making sure these illegal drugs do not find their way into our communities,” PGen Nartatez said.

The PNP will continue working with partner agencies and local communities to identify and address areas used for illegal drug cultivation, consistent with the “Bagong PNP para sa Bagong Pilipinas: Serbisyong Mabilis, Tapat, at Nararamdaman,” while ensuring that every operation respects due process and the rights of all persons.

(PNP-PIO)

12/08/2026

UNLICENSED DENTAL PRACTICE EXPOSED; 3 VIETNAMESE ARRESTED

The Philippine National Police, under the command of PNP Chief PGEN Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr., arrested three Vietnamese nationals for allegedly practicing dentistry without the required licenses and permits in Mandaue City, Cebu.

On August 10, 2026, the CIDG Mandaue City Field Unit, together with the Regional Special Operations Team (RSOT) of CIDG Regional Field Unit 7, National Bureau of Investigation-Cebu District Office (NBI-CEBDO), Philippine Dental Association (PDA) Mandaue Chapter, Mandaue City, and territorial police units, conducted a law enforcement operation in Barangay Tipolo, Mandaue City.

The operation stemmed from a complaint lodged by the PDA Mandaue Chapter concerning the alleged illegal practice of dentistry by the Vietnamese nationals. Authorities caught the three suspects while allegedly performing dental procedures, including tooth extraction, without the required Certificate of Registration, Professional Identification Card, and special permit issued by the Professional Regulatory Board of Dentistry.

The alleged violation falls under Republic Act No. 9484, or the Philippine Dental Act of 2007. The unauthorized performance of dental procedures by unlicensed individuals, particularly without the required professional credentials and regulatory authority, may expose patients to health risks and removes the safeguards and accountability required in legitimate dental practice.

“Professional standards are in place to protect patients and ensure that dental procedures are performed only by qualified and authorized practitioners. The PNP will take appropriate action against unlawful activities that put public safety at risk,” said PGEN Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr.

“Hindi dapat malagay sa panganib ang kalusugan ng mga pasyente. Kailangang tiyakin na ang mga dental procedure ay ginagawa ng mga lisensyado at awtorisadong practitioners,” he added.

The operation demonstrates the PNP Focused Agenda in action, particularly Enhanced Managing Police Operations and Active Community Support, as the police responded to a legitimate complaint and worked with the PDA and other government partners to address an activity that could endanger the public.

The PNP reminds the public to verify the credentials of individuals offering professional dental services and to report suspected unauthorized practice to the appropriate authorities.

As the PNP strengthens enforcement against unlawful practices that may put public health at risk under the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., it assures the public of “Bagong PNP para sa Bagong Pilipinas: Serbisyong Mabilis, Tapat, at Nararamdaman.”

(PNP-PIO)

11/08/2026

CHINESE BUSINESSMAN ESCAPES KIDNAPPERS; 4 SUSPECTS ARRESTED IN PAMPANGA

The Philippine National Police, under the command of PNP Chief PGEN Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr., secured the safety of a Chinese businessman and arrested four alleged kidnap-for-ransom suspects following anti-kidnapping operations in Pampanga on August 4, 2026.

The 37-year-old victim was forcibly taken by five armed men on August 2 along Friendship Highway in Angeles City, Pampanga, after a white van blocked his vehicle while he was leaving a supermarket parking area. He was then forced into the suspects’ vehicle and brought to an undisclosed location.

The PNP Anti-Kidnapping Group (PNP AKG) immediately took action after the victim’s younger sister filed a complaint on August 3 following repeated threats and ransom demands. During communications with the victim’s family, the suspects demanded USDT 1,000,000.00 in exchange for the victim’s release and threatened to harm him if the demand was not met within the specified period.

In the early hours of August 4, information emerged that the victim had escaped from captivity. PNP AKG operatives promptly validated the information and conducted extensive efforts to locate him, eventually securing the victim unharmed and free from serious injury.

With the victim safely secured, pursuit teams immediately worked to identify and locate those responsible for the kidnapping. The operation resulted in the arrest of three male and one female suspects, who were placed under the custody of the PNP AKG.

An inquest proceeding was conducted on August 5 before the Department of Justice in Manila in connection with the case for Kidnapping for Ransom and Serious Illegal Detention.

“We will not allow kidnapping groups to operate with impunity. Every lead will be pursued, and those responsible will be made to face the consequences of their actions,” PGen Nartatez said.

“Mahalaga sa atin ang kaligtasan ng biktima. Sa bawat ganitong insidente, gagawin natin ang nararapat upang maprotektahan ang buhay at mapanagot ang mga gumagawa ng krimen,” he added.

The operation demonstrates the PNP Focused Agenda, a framework for transformation designed to strengthen police service through decisive and accountable law enforcement. It reinforces the key priority of Enhanced Managing Police Operations, particularly in responding to serious criminal threats and safeguarding victims.

As the PNP strengthens its campaign against kidnapping and other serious crimes under the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., it assures the public of “Bagong PNP para sa Bagong Pilipinas: Serbisyong Mabilis, Tapat, at Nararamdaman.”

(PNP-PIO)