14/06/2026
PNP CAPTURES NORTHERN SAMAR’S NO. 1 MOST WANTED FOR STATUTORY R**E CASE
The Philippine National Police (PNP), under the leadership of PNP Chief, Police General Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr., scored another significant accomplishment in its intensified campaign against wanted persons with the arrest of Northern Samar’s No. 1 Most Wanted Person for Statutory R**e during an operation conducted on June 12, 2026, in Barangay Washington, Catarman, Northern Samar.
The accused, an 18-year-old Filipino male and resident of Lapinig, Northern Samar, was apprehended by virtue of a Warrant of Arrest for Statutory R**e under Republic Act No. 8353 (Anti-R**e Law of 1997), as amended by Republic Act No. 11648. The warrant was issued by the Regional Trial Court, Branch 38, 8th Judicial Region, Gamay, Northern Samar, with no bail recommended.
The successful operation was carried out by personnel of the 2nd Northern Samar Provincial Mobile Force Company, in partnership with the Catarman Municipal Police Station and the 803rd Maneuver Company, Philippine Army. Following his arrest, the accused was placed under the custody of the Catarman Municipal Police Station for documentation and proper disposition before his turnover to the issuing court.
“This arrest demonstrates the unwavering commitment of the Philippine National Police to locate and bring to justice individuals facing serious criminal charges. No matter how long it takes, we will continue to pursue offenders and uphold the rule of law to protect every Filipino community,” PNP Chief PGEN Nartatez said.
“Hindi titigil ang PNP hangga’t naihaharap sa hukuman ang mga taong may pananagutan at naibibigay sa mga biktima ang katarungan. Patuloy naming gagampanan ang aming tungkulin para sa kapakanan ng bawat mamamayan,” he added.
This accomplishment reflects the PNP’s commitment to its PNP Focused Agenda, a strategic framework for transformation designed to make police service more responsive, professional, and accountable. Anchored on its key priorities, particularly Enhanced Managing Police Operations, the PNP continues to strengthen law enforcement efforts by intensifying operations against wanted persons and ensuring that offenders are brought before the courts.
As the PNP strengthens its campaign against wanted persons and reinforces public safety under the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., it continues to assure the public of “Bagong PNP para sa Bagong Pilipinas: Serbisyong mabilis, tapat, at nararamdaman.”
(PNP-PIO)