The Philippine National Police (PNP) launched a powerful start to 2026, capturing eight of the country's most wanted individuals and confiscating illegal drugs valued at nearly PHP 9 million in a sweeping series of operations.
Nationwide Dragnet Nets High-Profile Fugitives
From 10 p.m. on January 1, 2026, to 9 a.m. on January 2, police units across multiple regions executed coordinated manhunts. The targets were individuals with outstanding warrants for grave crimes. The successful operations led to the arrest of suspects wanted for charges including:
- Murder
- Syndicated estafa
- Statutory rape
Authorities apprehended the fugitives in areas spanning Central Luzon, Calabarzon, Bicol, Western Visayas, and Metro Manila. The PNP confirmed that all arrested persons are now in custody and facing legal proceedings.
Major Drug Busts and Marijuana Plantation Destruction
Concurrent with the manhunt, anti-drug operations yielded significant results. In a highlight of the crackdown, a joint buy-bust operation in Cebu City resulted in the arrest of a high-value individual. Police seized 1,030 grams of suspected shabu, with an estimated street value of PHP 7.4 million.
In a separate action in the province of Kalinga, law enforcers eradicated 7,000 fully grown marijuana plants. The destroyed contraband was valued at approximately PHP 1.4 million. Combined with the Cebu haul, the total value of illegal drugs taken out of circulation reached PHP 8.8 million.
Leadership Points to EMPO Strategy for Success
Acting PNP chief, Lieutenant General Jose Melencio Nartatez, attributed the successful operations to the force's Enhanced Managing Police Operations (EMPO) agenda. He stated this framework aligns with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s vision for a safer and more orderly Philippines.
"Under the guidance of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., we will continue to strengthen our operations through EMPO – smarter deployment, tighter coordination, and faster response – to deliver police service the public can truly feel," Nartatez said.
The PNP leadership emphasized that these New Year operations reflect their unwavering focus on public safety and holding criminals accountable. The force signals a continued aggressive stance against major crime syndicates and illegal drug networks in the coming year.
