Camp Olivas, City of San Fernando, Pampanga — Several Top Most Wanted Persons were apprehended in separate police operations conducted by units of the Police Regional Office 3 (PRO3) across Bataan, Tarlac, and in Nueva Ecija on January 1, 2026, as part of sustained manhunt efforts implemented even during the holiday period.
During the coordinated operations, two Regional Most Wanted Persons were arrested in Nueva Ecija, while six Provincial Most Wanted Persons, along with other municipal- and city-level fugitives, were taken into custody in Bataan, Tarlac, and Nueva Ecija.
The arrests involved individuals wanted for serious crimes, including rape, murder, qualified theft, and drug-related offenses, all effected by virtue of valid warrants of arrest.
PRO3 noted that the holiday arrests form part of the Region’s sustained campaign against fugitives, where Regional Most Wanted Persons have been consistently apprehended within an average of nine days, reflecting steady intelligence validation and focused manhunt operations.
PBGEN Ponce Rogelio I Peñones Jr, Regional Director of PRO3, said the operations reflect the constancy of police service.
“While many were celebrating the New Year with their families, police work continues regardless of the season. Our personnel were on the ground, doing their job. This is our commitment—to make sure those wanted by the law are found and held accountable, any day of the year,” Peñones added.
The operations were conducted in line with the Acting Chief PNP, PLTGEN Jose Melencio C Nartatez Jr’s PNP Focused Agenda under Enhanced Managing Police Operations and guided by PRO3’s 3Ps—Protect the People, Pursue Peace and Order, and Promote Professionalism.
PRO3 reiterated that manhunt operations will remain a priority as part of its continuing commitment to public safety and the delivery of Serbisyong Mabilis, Tapat, at Nararamdaman across Central Luzon.
