A total of 87 wanted persons were arrested across the Bicol Region following a series of sustained law enforcement operations of Police Regional Office 5 (PRO 5), reflecting the Philippine National Police’s continuing drive to track down fugitives and strengthen public safety in communities.
The intensified operations are anchored on the PNP Focused Agenda under Enhanced Managing Police Operations, strengthening coordinated field actions, intelligence-based policing, and faster response. In line with the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., the PNP continues to streamline its efforts to keep law enforcement proactive, focused, and responsive to the needs of the public.
Among those arrested were four regional most wanted persons. One of them, known by the alias “Rick,” was apprehended in Cataingan, Masbate for murder. Another, alias “Win,” was arrested in Palanas, Masbate and is facing murder charges. He was also earlier identified as having links with a communist terrorist group.
In a separate operation, alias “Bert” was arrested in Masbate province for murder, while alias “Waldo” was apprehended in Cawayan, Masbate in connection with multiple counts of rape. Authorities said these coordinated efforts underscore the sustained campaign against individuals facing serious criminal charges.
PRO 5 also reported the arrest of five provincial most wanted persons, ten municipal most wanted persons, and 68 other wanted individuals facing various criminal cases, following simultaneous operations conducted by different police units across the region.
PNP Chief, Police General Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr., lauded the operating units for their sustained efforts, saying, “These results show our strong commitment that no one who violates the law can simply escape accountability. Patuloy po ang ating operasyon upang matiyak na ang hustisya ay makakamtan at ang ating mga komunidad ay mananatiling ligtas.”
He added that the PNP remains focused on sustaining operational gains while strengthening community trust through consistent police presence and disciplined action on the ground.
The PNP emphasized that these efforts align with its continuing transformation toward a more responsive and service-oriented organization, as it advances the vision of “Bagong PNP para sa Bagong Pilipinas: Serbisyong Mabilis, Tapat at Nararamdaman.”
Source: PNP Bicol Region