Christopher A. Templanza

09/09/2026

PNP RECORDS 42% DROP IN FOCUS CRIMES IN AUGUST

The Philippine National Police (PNP) recorded a 41.77 percent decline in focus crimes nationwide in August 2026, with the sharpest reductions seen in carnapping, r**e, and motorcycle carnapping compared with the same period last year.

Based on PNP data, carnapping of motor vehicles posted the highest decline at 67.74 percent, dropping from 31 cases in August 2025 to 10 this year. R**e cases decreased by 58.65 percent, from 769 to 318, while carnapping of motorcycles fell by 53.64 percent, from 220 to 102 cases.

Physical injury cases likewise declined by 46.83 percent, from 521 to 277, while theft dropped by 41.67 percent, from 1,315 to 767 cases. Robbery and homicide also recorded decreases of 33.16 percent and 3.33 percent, respectively.

Overall, the eight focus crime categories registered 2,087 incidents in August 2026, compared with 3,584 in August 2025, representing 1,497 fewer reported incidents during the period.

Police General Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr., Chief of the PNP, said the figures reflect the value of sustained police presence and prevention efforts, while emphasizing that every remaining incident still calls for attention.

“Magandang makita ang pagbaba, pero hindi tayo dapat maging kampante. Every number represents a real situation involving people and communities. Kaya tuloy-tuloy ang trabaho natin—prevent where we can, respond when needed, and make sure our police service remains present where people need it most,” PGen Nartatez said.

The results form part of the PNP’s continuing implementation of its Focused Agenda, particularly under Enhanced Managing Police Operations (EMPO), which strengthens the use of crime information, police resources, and coordinated operations to address public safety concerns. These efforts are aligned with the peace and security priorities of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.

The PNP remains committed to sustaining the positive gains while addressing persistent concerns through responsive and responsible policing, consistent with its commitment to a Bagong PNP para sa Bagong Pilipinas: Serbisyong Mabilis, Tapat at Nararamdaman.

(PNP-PIO)

08/09/2026

07/09/2026

BUKIDNON SEES ANOTHER STEP TOWARD PEACE AS INSURGENT SURRENDERS

The Philippine National Police, under the leadership of PNP Chief PGEN Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr., recorded another voluntary surrender in Bukidnon on September 3, 2026, as an insurgent chose to abandon the armed struggle and return to the folds of the law.

The latest development comes just days after the PNP featured the August 26, 2026 surrender of another insurgent in San Fernando, Bukidnon. In that earlier case, alias “Math/Saudi,” a Periodic Status Report-listed member of the dismantled Guerrilla Front 89, surrendered and turned over an improvised 5.56mm revolver loaded with four rounds of am******on.

In the latest surrender, alias “Tonton,” a 38-year-old married male and member of the Milisyang Bayan of Guerrilla Front 68, Sub-Regional Committee 4, North Central Mindanao Regional Committee, voluntarily yielded to government authorities at the 1004th Maneuver Company (MC), Regional Mobile Force Battalion 10 (RMFB 10) Headquarters in Barangay Tagbak, Talakag, Bukidnon.

He surrendered one improvised sh***un and two rounds of 12-gauge am******on. The surrender was facilitated by personnel of the 1004th MC, RMFB 10, together with the Bukidnon Provincial Intelligence Unit and Bukidnon Provincial Intelligence Team.

Alias “Tonton” is now under the custody of the 1004th MC for custodial debriefing and individual profiling, while the surrendered fi***rm and am******on remain secured by the same unit for proper documentation and disposition.

The latest surrender underscores the sustained efforts of government authorities in Bukidnon to encourage members of armed groups to abandon violence and embrace a peaceful and lawful life. It also reflects the government’s continuing efforts to reduce armed-group influence and strengthen peace and security in communities.

The surrender is aligned with the PNP Focused Agenda, particularly Enhanced Managing Police Operations, which strengthens the PNP’s efforts to address internal security threats, facilitate the peaceful surrender of armed-group members, and help maintain peace and order in affected communities.

PNP Chief PGEN Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr. emphasized that every voluntary surrender helps reduce the potential for violence while opening a path toward peace.

“Every surrender is an opportunity to prevent violence and help build safer communities. We will remain firm in protecting the public while supporting those who choose to leave the armed struggle,” PGEN Nartatez said.

He also encouraged other armed-group members to make the same decision.

“Piliin ang kapayapaan kaysa karahasan. Ibaba ang armas at samantalahin ang pagkakataong makabalik sa pamilya at mamuhay nang maayos,” he added.

The latest surrender adds another positive development to the peace and security efforts in Bukidnon, showing that the door remains open for those who choose to abandon armed violence and return to a lawful life.

As the PNP strengthens its efforts to safeguard communities and promote the peaceful return of armed-group members to the folds of the 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)

04/09/2026

THREE ARRESTED IN ZAMBALES FOR ALLEGED ILLEGAL PETROLEUM TRADE; ₱2.6-M PRODUCTS SEIZED

The Philippine National Police (PNP) seized more than 33,000 liters of petroleum products valued at approximately ₱2.61 million and arrested three individuals during an enforcement operation in Masinloc, Zambales on August 31.

The operation was conducted by the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) Zambales Provincial Field Unit, in coordination with the Masinloc Municipal Police Station and Provincial Intelligence Team, following verification of the regulatory status of a petroleum retail establishment in Barangay Inhobol.

Arrested were three Filipino individuals: a 21-year-old gasoline attendant, a 19-year-old gasoline attendant, and a 33-year-old gas station manager. They were apprehended during a test-buy operation conducted by police personnel.

Confiscated during the operation were 10,437 liters of diesel, 14,312 liters of unleaded gasoline, and 8,500 liters of premium gasoline, with a combined estimated market value of ₱2,608,264.60. Police also secured transaction and business records and documents relevant to the establishment’s regulatory status.

Prior verification with the Department of Energy indicated that the establishment had no valid Certificate of Compliance and no authority to operate or sell or distribute petroleum products. The appropriate complaint for alleged violation of Batas Pambansa Blg. 33, as amended, is being prepared for inquest proceedings.

Chief PNP Police General Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr. emphasized that enforcement efforts must remain grounded on verified information and proper procedures.

“Kapag may nakikitang posibleng paglabag, hindi puwedeng basta hinala lang ang basehan. We have to verify, act within the law, and let the evidence speak. That is how we make our police operations both effective and fair,” PGen Nartatez said.

The operation forms part of the PNP Focused Agenda, particularly under Enhanced Managing Police Operations, which promotes responsive, lawful, and well-coordinated police action. It also supports the peace and order and public safety priorities of the administration of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.

The PNP encourages the public to report suspected unlawful activities through proper police channels. Information received from the community is carefully evaluated and verified to ensure that enforcement actions are based on facts and conducted within the bounds of law.

With continued responsible policing and coordination with concerned government agencies, the PNP remains committed to “Bagong PNP para sa Bagong Pilipinas: Serbisyong Mabilis, Tapat at Nararamdaman,” while safeguarding public welfare and respecting the rights of all persons.

(PNP-PIO)

03/09/2026

ALLEGED BOMB JOKE PROMPTS SECURITY RESPONSE AT TACLOBAN AIRPORT

The Philippine National Police (PNP) promptly responded to a security concern at the Daniel Z. Romualdez Airport in Tacloban City after a female passenger allegedly made a remark suggesting that her laptop contained a bomb while aboard a flight bound for Manila on August 31, 2026.

The passenger was reportedly at the aircraft’s galley when she sought assistance in locating a laptop she had left at the departure area. After the device was found and returned, she was asked to open it for verification and allegedly made the remark that prompted the security response.

PNP Aviation Security Group personnel immediately carried out the appropriate security procedures and arrested the passenger. She was informed of her constitutional rights, while authorities continued to verify the circumstances surrounding the incident.

The PNP is preparing the appropriate complaint for possible violation of Presidential Decree No. 1727, or the Anti-Bomb Joke Law, as the investigation proceeds.

Chief PNP Police General Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr. emphasized that airport security requires both vigilance and responsibility from authorities and passengers.

“Sa airport, bawat salita at kilos may epekto sa seguridad. We ask everyone to be mindful because even a remark meant as a joke can trigger a security response and affect other passengers. Ang mahalaga, we respond properly, protect everyone, and let the investigation establish the facts,” PGen Nartatez said.

The PNP also reminds the public that bomb jokes or similar threats should not be made in any setting—not only in airports, but also in public places, schools, establishments, workplaces, and even through social media or other online platforms. What may be intended as humor can cause unnecessary alarm, disrupt operations, and prompt appropriate security measures.

The PNP continues to strengthen security and response measures in support of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s commitment to safe and orderly communities. The effort forms part of the PNP Focused Agenda, particularly Enhanced Managing Police Operations, ensuring that police responses remain timely, proportionate, and guided by established procedures.

The PNP remains committed to protecting the public while upholding due process and the rights of every person, consistent with the Bagong PNP para sa Bagong Pilipinas: Serbisyong Mabilis, Tapat at Nararamdaman.

(PNP-PIO)

02/09/2026

₱14.28M SHABU SUPPLY BUSTED IN MANILA; DRUG TRAFFICKER ARRESTED

The Philippine National Police, under the command of PNP Chief PGEN Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr., scored a major breakthrough against the illegal drug trade following the arrest of a high-value individual (HVI) in a buy-bust operation in Ermita, Manila, on August 31, 2026.

The NCRPO, through the Manila Police District Drug Enforcement Unit (MPD-DEU), arrested the 33-year-old male suspect along Maria Orosa Street, Barangay 666, Zone 72, recovering 2,100 grams of suspected shabu with an estimated Standard Drug Price of ₱14,280,000.00.

The seized drugs were packed in two small and two large heat-sealed transparent plastic sachets. Police also recovered the marked money used in the entrapment, boodle money, and the suspect’s personal belongings.

The arrested suspect remains under MPD-DEU custody and is facing complaints for violations of Sections 5 and 11 of Republic Act No. 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.

PGEN Nartatez underscored the importance of the operation in disrupting the movement of illegal drugs in the capital. “This operation demonstrates how intelligence-driven police work can intercept significant drug transactions before they reach their intended destination. We will use every available lead to pursue the wider network behind these activities.”

He also emphasized the value of building on the evidence gathered during the operation. “Ang bawat operasyon ay may mahalagang impormasyong maaaring magturo sa iba pang sangkot. Susuriin natin nang mabuti ang mga ebidensya upang mapalalim ang imbestigasyon at matukoy ang iba pang personalidad na konektado sa kalakalan.”

The operation supports the PNP Focused Agenda, a framework for transformation that strengthens police operations. It reflects the key priority of Enhanced Managing Police Operations in the fight against illegal narcotics.

As the PNP intensifies its campaign against illegal narcotics 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)

02/09/2026

TWO MOST WANTED PERSONS ARRESTED OVER QUALIFIED R**E OF MINOR CASES IN CAMARINES SUR, AGUSAN DEL NORTE

The Philippine National Police (PNP) arrested two individuals listed among the Most Wanted Persons in their respective police regions during separate early-morning operations on September 1, 2026, as police units continue to account for individuals with outstanding warrants and help move cases forward through the proper legal process.

In Camarines Sur, personnel of the Magarao Municipal Police Station, Camarines Sur Police Provincial Office, and Regional Intelligence Unit 5 arrested a legal-age Filipino male in Barangay San Miguel, Calabanga. He was ranked No. 5 Most Wanted Person in Police Regional Office 5 and was arrested by virtue of a warrant for Qualified R**e of a Minor. He is currently under police custody.

In Agusan del Norte, personnel of the Las Nieves Municipal Police Station, Agusan del Norte Police Provincial Office, and 1304th Maneuver Company, Regional Mobile Force Battalion 13, arrested another legal-age Filipino male in Barangay Bonifacio, Las Nieves. Ranked No. 2 Most Wanted Person in Police Regional Office 13, he was arrested pursuant to warrants for four counts of Qualified R**e of a Minor and is now under police custody.

Chief PNP Police General Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr. said the arrests demonstrate the importance of sustained police work in locating wanted persons, particularly those who remain the subject of active warrants.

“A warrant is not something we simply file away and forget. Kapag may taong hinahanap ng batas, our responsibility is to keep working until that person is located and the case can proceed where it belongs. That steady work matters, especially to the victims and their families who continue to wait for justice,” PGen Nartatez said.

The operations are part of the PNP’s continuing implementation of its Focused Agenda, particularly under Enhanced Managing Police Operations (EMPO), which promotes effective, intelligence-driven, and accountable police operations. This supports the administration of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. in strengthening public safety and ensuring that law enforcement remains responsive to the needs of communities.

The PNP reiterates that all arrested persons remain entitled to due process and the presumption of innocence until proven guilty by a competent court.

These efforts form part of the PNP’s continuing commitment to “Bagong PNP para sa Bagong Pilipinas: Serbisyong Mabilis, Tapat at Nararamdaman,” through professional, accountable, and responsive police service.

(PNP-PIO)

01/09/2026

PNP ARRESTS 4 MOST WANTED PERSONS IN MURDER, ILLEGAL DRUG, R**E CASES

The Philippine National Police (PNP) arrested four wanted persons in separate operations in Laguna, Rizal, and Negros Occidental on August 30, 2026, as police units nationwide continue to strengthen efforts to locate individuals with standing warrants and facilitate their proper disposition before the courts.

In Calauan, Laguna, joint police personnel arrested two legal-age Filipino suspects. The two were apprehended by virtue of a warrant issued in connection with a murder case, with no bail recommended.

In Taytay, Rizal, police personnel arrested another legal-age Filipino suspect wanted in connection with multiple cases involving violations of Republic Act 6425 and Republic Act 9165. The suspect remains under police custody pending appropriate court proceedings.

Meanwhile, in Victorias City, Negros Occidental, authorities arrested a legal-age Filipino suspect listed among the region’s No. 5 wanted persons. The suspect was apprehended by virtue of warrants issued in connection with cases involving qualified r**e and r**e by sexual assault.

All four suspects were informed of their constitutional rights and will be subjected to the appropriate legal process.

The separate arrests form part of the PNP’s continuing implementation of the Enhanced Managing Police Operations (EMPO) under the PNP Focused Agenda, which promotes focused police action, stronger coordination, and the lawful ex*****on of court-issued warrants.

Chief PNP Police General Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr. emphasized that every police operation must remain firmly anchored on the law and due process.

“We will continue to look for those with standing warrants and bring them before the proper authorities. But in every arrest, I expect our personnel to do their job properly—firmly, peacefully, and within the law. We have a responsibility to enforce the law, and at the same time, to respect the rights of the person we are arresting,” PGen Nartatez said.

The PNP’s sustained operational efforts support President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s call for effective and accountable public service and remain aligned with the “Bagong PNP para sa Bagong Pilipinas: Serbisyong Mabilis, Tapat at Nararamdaman,” as the organization continues to deliver responsive police service while upholding the rule of law and the rights of every individual.

(PNP-PIO)

01/09/2026