Camp Julian Olivas, City of San Fernando, Pampanga — A swift and coordinated police response resulted in the arrest of five suspects involved in a brutal double murder in Nueva Ecija, with the case moving toward resolution in less than 48 hours after the discovery of the crime.
On March 9, 2026 at about 10:40 AM, authorities discovered a burned red Toyota Wigo along a roadside in Brgy. Sinasajan, Peñaranda, Nueva Ecija, with the charred remains of Michael Odchigue and Regine Espinosa found inside the vehicle.
Immediately after the discovery, investigators from the Nueva Ecija Police Provincial Office (NEPPO), led by PCOL Ritchie R. Claravall, launched intensive investigative and intelligence-driven efforts. Through backtracking procedures, CCTV review, and information gathering, police were able to identify and locate the suspects linked to the crime.
Follow-up operations conducted by PRO3 operating units resulted in the arrest of five suspects on March 11, 2026 at about 1:45 PM in Brgy. Siempre Viva Sur, Mallig, Isabela.
The operation involved personnel from the Provincial Intelligence Unit of NEPPO, Peñaranda Municipal Police Station, CIDG Nueva Ecija Provincial Field Unit, and the Regional Special Operations Group–Regional Intelligence Division of PRO3, in coordination with the Mallig Municipal Police Station of the Isabela Police Provincial Office.
The arrested suspects were brought to the Peñaranda Municipal Police Station for proper documentation and custodial procedures, while inquest proceedings for the crime of Murder were conducted before the Prosecutor’s Office.
PBGEN Jess B. Mendez, Regional Director of PRO3, commended the operating units for their prompt and decisive action in resolving the case.
“In less than 48 hours from the discovery of this crime, our operating units were able to arrest five suspects through swift and well-coordinated police operations. This accomplishment reflects our continuing commitment, in line with the PNP Focused Agenda of Chief PNP PGEN Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr., to ensure that those responsible for heinous crimes are brought before the bar of justice. Follow-up operations remain ongoing as we continue to deliver serbisyong mabilis, tapat, at nararamdaman to the people of Central Luzon,” PBGEN Mendez said.
