A 64-year-old man's routine visit to a police station for a document turned into an unexpected arrest after a long-dormant warrant was discovered in the system.
Routine Errand Leads to Shock Arrest
The incident occurred on the evening of Monday, January 5, 2026, at the Mabolo Police Station 4 in Cebu City. Amado Billiones Bernal, a resident of Barangay Bulacao, went to the station to apply for a National Police Clearance (NPC). He needed the document for a job application as a driver.
However, when police personnel processed his request, their database revealed a shocking detail. Bernal had a pending warrant of arrest for a case of Estafa. The warrant was issued way back on July 2011, nearly 15 years prior.
Long-Forgotten Case Surfaces
According to reports, the senior citizen was unaware that the warrant was still active. He believed the case was already closed due to the considerable length of time that had passed since the warrant's issuance. The discovery led to his immediate apprehension by the officers on duty at the station.
Release After Posting Bail
Bernal did not remain in custody for long. He was able to secure his temporary freedom by posting the recommended bail amount set by the court. He paid P18,000 and was subsequently released from police custody the following day, Tuesday, January 6, 2026.
This case highlights the importance of individuals checking their legal status, especially when applying for government-issued clearances. It also shows that old warrants do not simply expire and can be enforced years later when a person interacts with law enforcement agencies.
