Urban Loom

WOMAN FACING TRAFFICKING, ILLEGAL RECRUITMENT, OTHER CASES ARRESTED ON 10 COURT WARRANTS

Under the leadership of Police General Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr., Chief, Philippine National Police (PNP), police operatives arrested a 36-year-old woman in Angeles City, Pampanga who is facing 10 outstanding Warrants of Arrest issued by various courts in connection with cases involving trafficking, illegal recruitment, estafa, and violations of the Securities Regulation Code.

The woman was arrested at about on September 29, 2026, at a laundry shop along Sarmiento Street in Barangay Malabanias, Angeles City, in a coordinated operation led by the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) Angeles City Field Unit, with support from Angeles City Police Office Police Station 4 and Sto. Tomas Municipal Police Station.

The cases stemmed from complaints involving alleged recruitment and trafficking activities, including the recruitment of individuals for purported massage-therapy work. The complaints were subsequently filed before the appropriate courts, which issued the warrants of arrest.

The 10 warrants were issued by courts in Metro Manila, Laguna, and Cavite in connection with cases involving Qualified Trafficking/Qualified Trafficking in Persons, Illegal Recruitment, Estafa, and violations of the Securities Regulation Code. The courts also determined the applicable bail conditions for the respective cases.

The arrest followed sustained information gathering, verification, and coordination by the operating units to establish the whereabouts of the accused and ensure the proper implementation of the court-issued warrants.

The arrested individual was informed of the nature and cause of her arrest and apprised of her constitutional rights. She was subsequently brought to the CIDG Angeles City Field Unit for documentation and proper disposition, pending the return of the warrants to the respective issuing courts.

Chief PNP Police General Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr. said the arrest reflects the importance of sustained information gathering and coordination in implementing multiple court-issued warrants.

“Ten warrants mean a lot of work behind the scenes. Our people had to verify the information, locate the person, coordinate with the concerned units, and make sure the warrants were properly served. Ito ang gusto nating makita—police work that is deliberate, coordinated, and respectful of the law and the rights of the person involved,” PGen Nartatez said.

The operation forms part of the PNP’s Enhanced Managing Police Operations (EMPO) under the PNP Focused Agenda, strengthening information-driven and coordinated police action in support of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s efforts to uphold public safety and the rule of law.

The PNP calls on the public to report information on wanted persons through proper channels and leave their apprehension to authorities. Through responsible community cooperation and professional police service, the PNP continues to deliver the Bagong PNP para sa Bagong Pilipinas: Serbisyong Mabilis, Tapat at Nararamdaman.

(PNP-PIO)

P13.88-M WORTH OF SUSPECTED SMUGGLED GOODS RECOVERED IN PNP OPERATIONS IN ZAMBOANGA, BULACAN

Under the leadership of Police General Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr., Chief, Philippine National Police (PNP), police units in Zamboanga City and Bulacan recovered an estimated ₱13.88 million worth of suspected smuggled ci******es and assorted agricultural products in separate operations conducted on September 29 and 30, 2026.

In Zamboanga City, personnel of the 2nd Zamboanga City Mobile Force Company–Seaborne, in coordination with the Regional Intelligence Division 9–Regional Special Operations Unit 9 and Zamboanga City Police Station 10, recovered 72 master cases of assorted ci******es worth approximately ₱10.78 million along the shoreline near Puerto Villa Resort in Barangay Patalon on September 30.

The recovered items, whose owner or owners have yet to be identified, were inventoried in coordination with the Bureau of Customs, Port of Zamboanga, and are set to be turned over to the agency for proper disposition in accordance with existing procedures.

Meanwhile, in Baliwag, Bulacan, police operatives from the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group–Regional Field Unit NCR, with the Armed Forces of the Philippines and Philippine Fertilizer and Pesticide Authority, recovered assorted agricultural products estimated at ₱3.1 million from a warehouse in Barangay Tarcan on September 29.

The recovered items included agricultural products and supplies such as booster products, pesticides, fertilizers, plant supplements, and rat bait. Two individuals, both of legal age, were taken into custody for proper disposition and further proceedings. The items and the individuals remain under the custody of the CIDG RFU NCR.

Chief PNP PGen Nartatez said the operations highlight the importance of timely information, proper coordination, and careful handling of cases involving goods that may have been brought into or distributed in violation of applicable laws.

“Kapag may impormasyon tungkol sa mga kahina-hinalang shipments o goods, kailangan mabilis ang validation at maayos ang coordination. From the actual operation hanggang sa turnover, bawat hakbang dapat malinaw at naaayon sa batas. That is how we make sure the operation leads to a proper case,” PGen Nartatez said.

The operations form part of the PNP’s continuing efforts to strengthen law enforcement against activities that affect legitimate businesses, government revenues, and community safety. These efforts are being carried out in line with the PNP Focused Agenda, particularly under Enhanced Managing Police Operations (EMPO), which calls for coordinated, timely, and responsive police action based on verified information and sound operational management.

The PNP continues to coordinate with the Bureau of Customs, other government agencies, and local partners to ensure that recovered items are properly accounted for and that appropriate legal processes are observed. These efforts support the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. for government agencies to strengthen enforcement, accountability, and public service.

The PNP likewise reminds the public to report information on suspected smuggling and other unlawful activities through proper authorities and to avoid purchasing, storing, or transporting goods of questionable origin.

Through sustained operations, inter-agency coordination, and responsible enforcement, the PNP remains committed to advancing Bagong PNP para sa Bagong Pilipinas: Serbisyong Mabilis, Tapat at Nararamdaman.

(PNP-PIO)

PNP, ARMY RECOVER ABANDONED CTG WEAPONS, EXPLOSIVES IN IFUGAO

Under the leadership of Police General Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr., Chief, Philippine National Police (PNP), police and military personnel recovered an abandoned cache of fi****ms and explosive-related items in a mountainous area of Tinoc, Ifugao on September 28, 2026, following information provided by a former member of a dismantled communist terrorist group.

The joint recovery operation was carried out by personnel of the Police Regional Office Cordillera, together with the Philippine Army and other concerned government units, after the information was properly validated and coordinated.

Among the items recovered were a Claymore mine, hand and r***e grenades, 40mm cartridges, commercial dynamites, detonating cords, assorted am******on, bandoliers, and other personal items. The recovered materials were secured and placed under proper handling and documentation by the concerned authorities.

Chief PNP PGen Nartatez said the recovery demonstrates the value of timely information and cooperation in preventing potentially dangerous items from falling into the wrong hands.

“Kapag may impormasyon na puwedeng makatulong sa seguridad ng komunidad, mahalagang pakinggan, i-verify, at aksyunan nang tama. Hindi naman kailangang maging komplikado—ang mahalaga, may tiwala, may coordination, at alam ng bawat isa ang tamang proseso,” PGen Nartatez said.

He added that the recovery also shows how individuals who have chosen to leave armed groups can contribute to keeping their communities safe and supporting the government’s peace efforts.

The PNP continues to work closely with the Armed Forces of the Philippines and other government partners in addressing security concerns, particularly in areas where the recovery of abandoned weapons and explosive materials may pose risks to residents.

The operation is in line with the PNP Focused Agenda, particularly the Enhanced Managing Police Operations (EMPO), which emphasizes responsive, coordinated, and information-driven police work. It also supports the administration of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. in strengthening peace and security while creating conditions that allow communities to move forward safely and peacefully.

The PNP likewise encourages the public to report information concerning abandoned fi****ms, am******on, explosives, or other suspicious items through proper authorities and to avoid touching or moving such materials.

Through sustained coordination with communities and government security partners, the PNP remains committed to protecting lives, maintaining peace, and advancing the Bagong PNP para sa Bagong Pilipinas: Serbisyong Mabilis, Tapat, at Nararamdaman.

(PNP-PIO)

SOCCSKSARGEN’S NO. 9 MOST WANTED CAUGHT IN MURDER MANHUNT

The Philippine National Police, under the command of PNP Chief PGEN Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr., has scored another significant manhunt accomplishment with the arrest of a regional-level most wanted person facing a murder charge in South Cotabato.

On September 24, 2026, operatives of the CIDG Sultan Kudarat Provincial Field Unit, Lambayong Municipal Police Station, Sultan Kudarat Provincial Intelligence Team, Provincial Intelligence Unit of Sultan Kudarat PPO, and Sultan Kudarat Provincial Highway Patrol Team arrested the accused in Brgy. Maltana, Tampakan, South Cotabato.

The accused, a male of legal age and resident of Brgy. Labu, Polomolok, South Cotabato, was apprehended by virtue of a Warrant of Arrest for Murder issued by a Tacurong City, Sultan Kudarat court on June 18, 2025.

He is listed as the No. 9 Regional Level Most Wanted Person of Police Regional Office 12 and the No. 3 Provincial Level Most Wanted Person of Sultan Kudarat Provincial Police Office.

The warrant stemmed from a shooting incident on April 25, 2025, in Brgy. Sadsalan, Lambayong, Sultan Kudarat, where the accused and a co-accused allegedly fired several shots at two male victims using unidentified fi****ms. Both victims sustained multiple gunshot wounds that resulted in their instantaneous deaths.

The arrest underscores the PNP’s Focused Agenda as a framework for strengthening police service, particularly through Enhanced Managing Police Operations, which reinforces focused efforts to locate and apprehend wanted persons.

PGEN Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr. stressed that the arrest demonstrates the PNP’s determination to locate individuals wanted for serious offenses and bring them before the proper judicial authorities.

“A warrant of arrest carries the authority of the court, and our responsibility is to enforce it with diligence and respect for the law. We will keep strengthening our manhunt operations to ensure that wanted persons are located and placed under the custody of the proper authorities,” PGEN Nartatez said.

He also underscored the importance of securing communities from individuals facing serious criminal charges.

“Hindi dapat manatiling malaya ang mga taong hinahanap ng batas. Patuloy nating paiigtingin ang paghahanap sa mga wanted person upang maiharap sila sa hukuman at mapanagot ayon sa batas,” he added.

The arrest puts another high-value fugitive in police custody and advances the PNP’s efforts to account for individuals wanted in connection with serious crimes across the country.

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)

KEEPING YOUTH OUT OF CRIME: PNP STRENGTHENS EARLY INTERVENTION

Under the leadership of Police General Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr., Chief, Philippine National Police (PNP), police units across the country are strengthening early intervention measures to prevent young people from being drawn into emerging criminal groups and activities.

The move comes amid concerns raised by Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Jonvic Remulla over reports involving the group identified as True Brown Style (TBS), which allegedly recruits and grooms teenagers for criminal activities. President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has directed authorities to address emerging community-based criminal groups and prevent them from gaining a wider foothold.

Rather than waiting for criminal activities to escalate, the PNP is directing its regional offices and concerned units to strengthen information gathering, validate reports, and coordinate with local authorities and community partners so that appropriate intervention can be undertaken at the earliest opportunity.

The approach is consistent with the PNP Focused Agenda, particularly Enhanced Managing Police Operations (EMPO), which emphasizes responsive and coordinated police action based on reliable information and appropriate assessment of emerging concerns.

“Kapag may nakikitang senyales ng problema, mas mabuting maagapan kaysa hintayin nating lumala. We want our police units to be present, informed, and coordinated enough to act at the right time—especially when young people may be at risk of being influenced or exploited,” PGen Nartatez said.

The Chief PNP stressed that police intervention must remain anchored on facts and the law. Reports will be validated and evidence properly established before appropriate police action is taken, with due regard for the rights of all persons concerned.

At the community level, police units are also being encouraged to strengthen coordination with schools, local government units, barangay officials, parents and other stakeholders who can help identify early signs of recruitment, exploitation or involvement in criminal activities.

“Hindi lang ito trabaho ng pulis. If a young person is being drawn into criminal activity, the earlier the family, school, community and police can recognize it, the more opportunities we have to intervene and put that young person back on the right path,” PGen Nartatez added.

The PNP likewise reminds the public to report credible information concerning the recruitment of minors or criminal activities to the nearest police station or through the Unified 911 emergency hotline. Information provided by the community can help police assess concerns, coordinate with the appropriate units, and respond before a situation develops into a more serious threat.

Through early intervention, coordinated police work and stronger community partnership, the PNP continues to strengthen its role not only in responding to crime but also in preventing young people from becoming vulnerable to criminal exploitation, advancing the vision of a Bagong PNP para sa Bagong Pilipinas: Serbisyong Mabilis, Tapat at Nararamdaman.

(PNP-PIO)

ARMED DRUG TRAIL ENDS WITH FI***RM, AM******ON AND SUSPECTED SHABU IN BACOLOD CITY

The Philippine National Police, under the command of PNP Chief PGEN Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr., recovered a fi***rm, am******on, and suspected illegal drugs during the implementation of a court-issued Search Warrant in Purok Kagaykay, Barangay 2, Bacolod City, on September 27, 2026.

Personnel of Police Station 2, Bacolod City Police Office, Police Regional Office Negros Island Region, implemented the warrant against alias “Rom,” a male, married, unemployed resident of Purok Kagaykay, Barangay 2, Bacolod City. The operation stemmed from information provided by concerned citizens regarding his alleged threats against unfamiliar individuals in the area whom he allegedly believed to be police assets, with the suspect allegedly seen carrying a fi***rm while making the threats.

Police operatives conducted casing, surveillance, and verification to establish the veracity of the information and monitor the suspect’s activities. Further verification established that alias “Rom” was not a licensed fi***rm holder, leading the operatives to secure a Search Warrant from the court.

The search resulted in the recovery of a fi***rm, am******on, and sachets containing suspected shabu with a total estimated weight of 25 grams and an estimated Standard Drug Price of ₱170,000.00. The recovered items were properly inventoried and documented in the presence of the required witnesses in accordance with existing laws and procedures.

“This operation shows how credible information, proper verification, and lawful police action can prevent fi****ms and illegal drugs from becoming a greater threat to the community. We will remain resolute in protecting the public and enforcing our laws with professionalism and accountability,” PGEN Nartatez said.

“Malaking bagay ang pakikipagtulungan ng mga mamamayan sa pagpapanatili ng seguridad sa kanilang lugar. Hinihikayat natin ang publiko na agad ipaalam sa pulisya ang anumang kahina-hinalang gawain upang maagapan ang mga banta sa komunidad,” he added.

The operation reflects the PNP Focused Agenda, a framework for transformation that strengthens police service through Enhanced Managing Police Operations, particularly in the lawful and effective implementation of police operations.

As the PNP strengthens its efforts to keep communities safe from fi****ms and illegal drugs 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)

PNP, PARTNER AGENCIES RECOVER 33 LIVE WILDLIFE SPECIMENS IN PALAWAN OPERATION

Under the leadership of Police General Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr., Chief of the Philippine National Police (PNP), police and partner government agencies recovered 33 live wildlife specimens and arrested four individuals during an operation against the alleged illegal wildlife trade in Taytay, Palawan on September 25, 2026.

The operation was led by the Palawan Council for Sustainable Development (PCSD), with the participation of personnel from the City Mobile Force Company, Puerto Princesa City Police Office, Peace and Security Cluster, Naval Intelligence and Security Group, and Special Forces of the Armed Forces of the Philippines.

The operation followed information received by authorities regarding the alleged illegal trading of wildlife. The coordinated enforcement activity eventually led authorities to a location in Sitio Ibangley, Barangay Abungan, Taytay, where the suspects allegedly presented live wildlife for a transaction.

Recovered during the operation were a Palawan peacock-pheasant, a Palawan stink badger, eight blue-naped parrots, 20 live turtles, two live otters, and an adult lizard. Authorities also recovered marked money, cellular phones, and a vehicle reportedly used in the activity.

The arrested individuals and recovered specimens were turned over to the PCSD for appropriate handling and disposition. Charges for alleged violations of Republic Act No. 9147, or the Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act, are being pursued.

Chief PNP PGen Nartatez emphasized that protecting the country’s natural resources requires the same level of attention and coordination given to other public safety concerns.

“Ang wildlife natin ay bahagi ng ating natural heritage, kaya hindi ito dapat tratuhin na parang ordinaryong kalakal. We will continue working with our partner agencies so that reports of illegal wildlife activities are acted upon properly and responsibly,” PGen Nartatez said.

The operation reflects the PNP’s continuing support for government efforts to protect the country’s biodiversity through coordinated law enforcement and responsible handling of wildlife. It is also consistent with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s broader call for strengthened environmental protection and accountable public service.

The PNP said it will continue to support legitimate enforcement initiatives of concerned government agencies, particularly in areas where cooperation and timely police assistance are necessary to protect communities, wildlife, and natural resources.

These efforts form part of the PNP Focused Agenda under Enhanced Managing Police Operations (EMPO), which promotes coordinated, responsive, and community-oriented police operations, in keeping with the Bagong PNP para sa Bagong Pilipinas: Serbisyong Mabilis, Tapat at Nararamdaman.

(PNP-PIO)