PNP Captures National Most Wanted Fugitive in Davao Oriental After Decades-Long Manhunt
In a significant law enforcement breakthrough, the Philippine National Police (PNP) successfully apprehended a national-level most wanted fugitive on Monday, January 26, 2026, in the town of Baganga, Davao Oriental. The arrest marks the culmination of a manhunt operation targeting a suspect linked to a decades-old murder case, underscoring the police force's relentless pursuit of justice.
Details of the Arrest Operation
The suspect, a 64-year-old former commanding officer of the Special Operating Group of the dismantled Guerrilla Front 15, Sub-Regional Committee 2 of the Southern Mindanao Regional Command, was captured around 3:25 p.m. in Barangay Lucod. The operation was spearheaded by operatives of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) Davao City Field Unit, with crucial support from:
- The Baganga Municipal Police Station
- Police Regional Office 11 units
- Other partner field units
Authorities executed the arrest based on two warrants issued for murder, both without bail recommendations. These warrants were originally issued on August 28, 1995, by the executive judge of the Regional Trial Court, Branch 3, in Nabunturan, Davao de Oro, under the Eleventh Judicial Region.
Significance and Police Statement
The fugitive was listed among the PNP's national Most Wanted Persons, with a P100,000 reward offered for his capture, highlighting the high priority of this case. PNP acting chief Police Lieutenant General Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. emphasized the importance of this arrest in a statement, noting that it demonstrates the police force's unwavering commitment to pursuing fugitives, no matter how much time has passed.
Nartatez stated, "This operation proves that justice may take time, but it will not be denied. The law will eventually catch up with those who attempt to escape accountability." He further added that there is "no place in society for violence and crime," and that removing high-value fugitives helps restore peace in communities and reinforces public confidence in the rule of law.
This arrest not only brings closure to a long-standing criminal case but also serves as a testament to the collaborative efforts of various police units in ensuring that justice prevails, even after decades.
