The Philippine National Police (PNP) arrested several most-wanted individuals and confiscated illegal drugs and smuggled goods worth hundreds of millions of pesos during nationwide operations from March 11 to 12, 2026.
In two days, authorities arrested 13 most wanted individuals nationwide. Those arrested include top fugitives from Davao del Norte, Baguio City, South Cotabato, Misamis Oriental, and Surigao del Sur. Regional-level most wanted persons were also captured in CALABARZON and Laguna.
The arrested suspects are facing various criminal charges ranging from murder and statutory rape to violations of Republic Act No. 9165, also known as the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, and other criminal offenses. Among the notable arrests were a Top 6 Most Wanted Person in Davao del Norte wanted for murder, a Top 4 Most Wanted Person in Baguio City facing twenty-two counts of violations of Republic Act No. 7610, and a Top 2 Most Wanted Person in Misamis Oriental charged with statutory rape.
The successful operations were carried out through the combined efforts of local police units, Regional Investigation Units, field units of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group, and special action units, demonstrating strong coordination among law enforcement units.
In intensified anti-illegal drug operations, authorities confiscated a total of 32,762 grams of suspected shabu, valued at approximately Php222.8 Million, seized during operations targeting high-value individuals in Quezon City, Butuan City, and Tawi-Tawi.
Meanwhile, joint operations conducted by local police and the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency in the mountainous areas of Benguet and Kalinga led to the uprooting of more than 60,000 fully grown marijuana plants and the seizure of over 23,900 grams of dried marijuana stalks, with an estimated market value of Php15 Million. Five high-value individuals linked to the illegal drug operations were arrested and are currently under police custody for legal proceedings.
In separate anti-smuggling operations, authorities apprehended eleven Chinese nationals in Pampanga for illegally importing batteries valued at more than Php19 Million. In another operation in Zamboanga City, law enforcement personnel seized smuggled cigarettes worth over Php6 Million. These operations directly protect local communities by preventing the circulation of unsafe and unregulated goods, safeguarding legitimate businesses from unfair competition, and contributing to a safer environment.
PNP reassures the public that all arrested individuals are under proper custody, with their rights protected at every stage, and that the seized evidence has been secured and documented in accordance with established legal procedures to ensure the successful prosecution of the cases.
According to PNP Chief Police General Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr., the successful operations highlight the dedication and coordination of police units across the country, stating: “Ang tagumpay ng mga operasyong ito ay bunga ng mahusay na koordinasyon at dedikasyon ng ating mga pulis. These results show that lawbreakers will face justice.”
These accomplishments reaffirm the PNP’s commitment to intelligence-driven law enforcement, sustained anti-criminality efforts, and stronger collaboration with partner agencies. Through these initiatives, the organization continues to work toward ensuring safer communities and strengthening public trust, truly in line with the vision of a safer Bagong Pilipinas.
