In a significant crackdown on criminal elements, the Police Regional Office 7 (PRO 7) has successfully apprehended close to five thousand individuals with pending arrest warrants in Central Visayas for the current year.
Major Arrests in 11-Month Period
According to official data released by PRO 7, law enforcement operations conducted from January 1, 2025, to November 27, 2025, led to the capture of 4,326 other wanted persons and 936 individuals classified as Most Wanted Persons (MWPs). The total number of arrests stands at a substantial 5,262 wanted persons.
These apprehensions were the result of a staggering 5,290 separate manhunt operations executed across the region. Authorities highlighted that these successful captures have effectively removed these individuals from communities, preventing their potential involvement in further criminal activities.
Targeting Heinous Crimes
The scope of the arrests covered a wide range of serious offenses. Among those captured were suspects wanted for heinous crimes including murder, rape, robbery, and homicide. The operation also netted individuals with warrants related to illegal drug activities, underscoring the police's multi-front campaign against lawlessness.
PRO 7 has pledged to continue its aggressive operations targeting wanted persons. Their stated goal is to maintain public safety and protect citizens from the threat posed by criminals still at large.
Keys to Operational Success
The regional police command attributed this achievement to several key factors. Robust intelligence work provided the foundation for targeted operations. Furthermore, the consistent visibility of police forces in communities served as both a deterrent and an investigative tool.
Perhaps most crucial was the productive coordination between the Philippine National Police, various Local Government Units (LGUs), and other government agencies. This collaborative approach ensured a unified and effective strategy for tracking and apprehending fugitives.
The PRO 7's report sends a clear message of its ongoing commitment to law enforcement and community security in Central Visayas as the year draws to a close.