Heeding the call of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to strengthen the country’s crime prevention capabilities, the Philippine National Police (PNP) under the leadership of Police General Rommel Francisco D. Marbil, Chief, PNP, continues to take bold steps in implementing comprehensive law enforcement operations, particularly in its campaign against most wanted criminals and fugitives.
On April 14, 2025 alone, the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) led by its Director, Police Major General Nicholas Torre III, had successfully arrested 37 individuals with outstanding warrants of arrest across the country.
In Luzon and Metro Manila, 16 high-level fugitives were arrested. Among them was alias Belmin, a Regional-Level Most Wanted Person (MWP) who was arrested by the CIDG Baguio City Field Unit for robbery. A certain Angelica was also arrested by the CIDG Pangasinan Provincial Field Unit for four counts of cyber libel, while the CIDG NCR-Northern District Field Unit apprehended alias Raymond for homicide.
In the Visayas, five individuals were arrested by CIDG Field Units, including Wennie (a rape suspect), who was arrested by the CIDG Antique Provincial Field Unit; Marvic (for violation of RA 9165) caught by the CIDG Cebu City Field Unit; and Jonathan (theft), apprehended by the CIDG Northern Leyte Provincial Field Unit.
In Mindanao, 14 suspects were arrested by various CIDG Field Units. These include two Regional-Level Most Wanted Persons identified as Jasmer and Khalid. Jasmer was arrested by the CIDG Sultan Kudarat Provincial Field Unit for multiple counts of murder; while Khalid— facing charges for murder and violation of the New Anti-Carnapping Act of 2016, was arrested by the CIDG North Cotabato Provincial Field Unit.
Two other individuals were also arrested by the CIDG Anti-Organized Crime Unit (AOCU) for rape and violation of RA 9165.
“I salute our CIDG teams nationwide for their tireless dedication and swift action in apprehending 37 fugitives in just one day. Your courage and commitment to duty not only strengthen public security but also brings hope to victims who are still waiting for justice. This victory is not just for law enforcement but for the Filipino people,” said Police General Marbil.
Meanwhile, the PNP Anti-Cybercrime Group (ACG) under the leadership of Police Brigadier General Bernard R. Yang, Acting Director, likewise recorded significant operational accomplishments from April 11 to 17, 2025—a testament to the government’s firm commitment towards ensuring public safety, particularly in the digital space.
In just one week, ACG had made a total of 45 arrests—32 through entrapment operations while 13 involving wanted persons in various cybercrime offenses. In addition, eight victims, including minors, were successfully rescued in connection with cases of online exploitation and abuse.
The Group had also filed 26 cases: eight through regular filings and 18 through inquest proceedings. During the same period, ACG had served a total of 13 warrants to disclose computer data, utilizing legal means to combat cybercrime. Additionally, the Group conducted 313 cyber patrolling operations and 13 digital forensic examinations highlighting its strengthened cyber monitoring efforts.
CPNP Marbil commended the ACG’s consistent and effective performance, especially in terms of strengthening public trust to the police force in today’s digital age.
“Cybercrime remains a serious threat, especially to the vulnerable and the youth. These accomplishments demonstrate that PNP fully committed to protect Filipinos online. Under the President’s directive, we must continue to uphold public trust—this is the core message of our operations,” said CPNP Marbil.
Moreover, as many Filipinos prepare for summer vacations, PNP warns the public against online scammers offering travel or tour packages that are “too good to be true.” These scams are often conducted through social media—appearing cheap but fake, and the perpetrators usually disappear or deactivate after receiving payments.
“Paalala sa publiko: Siguraduhing legit ang ka-transaksyon. I-check muna ang travel agency o booking site bago magbayad. Sa mga manloloko ngayong summer na ang target ay mga kababayan nating gusto lamang magbaksyon—minomonitor kayo ng PNP! Wala kayong ligtas sa cyberspace,” CPNP added.
The PNP Top Cop assured the public that PNP will continue its diligent operations to track down and arrest all wanted individuals and criminals nationwide—both physically and in the online world, as part of its mandate in enforcing the law and in maintaining peace and order.
In addition, PNP urges the public to remain vigilant, and immediately report any suspicious online activities via official hotlines or the verified social media pages of PNP ACG. Amidst the expanding digital landscape, PNP remains steadfast in its goal of making the internet a safe space for every Filipino—dahil sa Bagong Pilipinas, ang Gusto ng Pulis, Ligtas Ka!
