Urban Loom

03/11/2026

JOINT SEA PATROL NETS ₱2.28-M SUSPECTED SMUGGLED CI******ES IN SULTAN KUDARAT

Under the leadership of Police General Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr., Chief, Philippine National Police (PNP), joint law enforcement efforts in Sultan Kudarat resulted in the confiscation of more than ₱2.28 million worth of suspected smuggled ci******es following a seaborne patrol off Kalamansig Wharf on October 27, 2026.

The operation was carried out by personnel of the Kalamansig Municipal Police Station, Provincial Intelligence Unit, and 2nd Sultan Kudarat Provincial Mobile Force Company, in coordination with the Southern Mindanao Coast Guard Station, Kalamansig Maritime Law Enforcement Team, and Tracker Team Delta of the Regional Intelligence Division 12.

Acting on information regarding an allegedly abandoned motorized banca suspected to be carrying smuggled ci******es, the joint team conducted a maritime patrol and found several boxes of ci******es in plain view aboard the unregistered and unmarked boat.

A total of 2,674 reams of Cannon Menthol and Victor Agila ci******es were recovered, with an estimated value of ₱2,288,088.22 based on Bureau of Customs standard pricing. The items were brought to the Kalamansig MPS for proper documentation and disposition.

No individual was found aboard the banca or came forward to claim ownership of the vessel or its contents at the time of the operation. Authorities are continuing to establish the circumstances surrounding the shipment and identify those responsible.

Chief PNP PGen Nartatez underscored the importance of timely information and coordinated action, particularly in areas where maritime routes may be used to move goods outside lawful channels.

“Malaking bagay ang mabilis na pag-verify ng impormasyon. In this case, our personnel did not simply wait for the shipment to reach another destination. They went out, checked the report, and acted on what they found. That kind of coordination is what we need—alert, deliberate, and focused on the facts,” PGen Nartatez said.

He added that the PNP will continue strengthening its coordination with partner agencies to help protect legitimate trade and communities from the effects of illicit activities.

“Hindi lang ito tungkol sa mga nakumpiskang produkto. It is also about making sure that our borders and waterways are properly monitored and that government agencies are working together when something needs to be checked. We will continue doing that work with our partners,” he said.

The operation supports the PNP Focused Agenda, particularly the Enhanced Managing Police Operations (EMPO), which promotes responsive, coordinated, and intelligence-guided police action. It also complements the administration's broader efforts under the leadership of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to strengthen law enforcement and protect legitimate economic activity.

Through sustained coordination, timely police response, and responsible enforcement, the PNP remains committed to delivering the “Bagong PNP para sa Bagong Pilipinas: Serbisyong Mabilis, Tapat at Nararamdaman.”

(PNP-PIO)

03/11/2026

TIMELY REPORT PREVENTS POSSIBLE SCHOOL
TRAGEDY AS FI***RM RECOVERED FROM PUPIL IN MISAMIS ORIENTAL

A simple observation inside a classroom led to the recovery of a fi***rm and a bladed weapon from a pupil at an elementary school in Opol, Misamis Oriental, in an incident the Philippine National Police (PNP) said underscores how vigilance and immediate reporting can help prevent a potentially serious situation from escalating.

Under the leadership of Police General Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr., Chief, Philippine National Police (PNP), police authorities are reinforcing their call for teachers, parents, students, and communities to speak up when they see warning signs, particularly when these involve weapons or possible threats inside schools.

The incident happened on October 21 at Barra Elementary School in Barangay Barra, Opol, after classmates noticed a pupil carrying a Swiss knife and brought the matter to the attention of the class adviser. A subsequent inspection of the pupil’s school bag led to the discovery of a caliber .380 pistol, a magazine, and five live am******on.

The matter was promptly reported to barangay authorities, who coordinated with the Opol Municipal Police Station. The fi***rm and other recovered items were placed under police custody for appropriate examination, while investigators continue to determine their ownership and how they came into the child’s possession.

For Chief PNP PGen Nartatez, the incident demonstrates why seemingly small warning signs should never be ignored.

“Sometimes, prevention starts with something very simple—someone noticing that something is not right and having the courage to tell a teacher. In this case, that report opened the door for adults to intervene before the situation could become more serious. That is exactly the kind of vigilance we want to encourage,” PGen Nartatez said.

He stressed that keeping schools safe cannot rest on the police alone.

“Kapag may napansin tayong kakaiba, huwag nating isipin na maliit na bagay lang. Tell a teacher, tell your parents, tell the authorities. Mas mabuti nang makapag-check tayo agad kaysa magsisi tayo kapag may nangyari na,” the Chief PNP said.

The PNP is coordinating with the Department of Education, local government and social welfare authorities, school officials, and the children’s parents to ensure that the appropriate interventions are provided and that the welfare and rights of the minors remain protected throughout the process.

Police presence and patrols in the area have also been strengthened as part of continuing efforts to promote a safe learning environment. The pupils involved remain under the care of their respective parents and are continuing their education through modular distance learning while the necessary interventions are being coordinated.

The circumstances surrounding the fi***rm remain under investigation, including efforts to establish its source and ownership. Forensic examination of the recovered fi***rm is also ongoing.

The PNP said the incident reinforces the value of prevention-focused policing under its Focused Agenda, particularly Enhanced Managing Police Operations, where timely information, coordination, and early intervention are used to address risks before they develop into more serious incidents.

As the government under President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. continues to emphasize safe and secure communities, the PNP is likewise strengthening partnerships with schools, families, local governments, and communities to protect children and prevent violence.

The message from the incident is clear: a report made early can make the difference between a warning sign and a tragedy. Through shared vigilance, responsible reporting, and immediate police response, the PNP remains committed to keeping schools safe and delivering a Bagong PNP para sa Bagong Pilipinas: Serbisyong Mabilis, Tapat at Nararamdaman.

(PNP-PIO)

03/11/2026

JUSTICE SERVED: CORDILLERA’S TOP FIVE REGIONAL MOST WANTED FOR S*X CRIMES BEHIND BARS

The Philippine National Police, under the leadership of Chief, PNP PGEN Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr., has arrested all five Regional-Level Most Wanted Persons of the Cordillera Administrative Region for the fourth quarter of 2026, reinforcing efforts to bring wanted individuals to justice and uphold the rule of law.

The arrests stemmed from intensified manhunt operations conducted across the region in October.

In Abra, operatives of the Provincial Intelligence Unit (PIU) of the Abra Police Provincial Office arrested the No. 1 regional-level wanted person, a 20-year-old male facing 10 counts of Statutory R**e, in Barangay Dalayap, Langiden.

In Baguio City, Police Station 9 arrested the No. 2 wanted person, a 42-year-old male facing two counts of Qualified R**e, in Purok 26, Upper San Carlos Heights. Police Station 5 apprehended the No. 3 wanted person, a 23-year-old male facing charges of Sexual Assault and Statutory R**e, in Purok 2, Barangay Upper Loakan-Liwanag. Meanwhile, Police Station 4 arrested the No. 5 wanted person, a 53-year-old male wanted for Statutory R**e, in Black Berry, Purok 8, Barangay Kias.

The manhunt concluded in Kalinga with the arrest of the No. 4 wanted person, a 27-year-old male wanted for Qualified R**e of a Minor, in Barangay Bulbol, Rizal. The operation was conducted by operatives of the PIU of the Kalinga Police Provincial Office.

All five arrested individuals underwent documentation and medical evaluation at their respective arresting units before being turned over to the courts that issued their warrants of arrest.

PGEN Nartatez emphasized the importance of holding wanted individuals accountable and ensuring that serious criminal cases proceed through the proper judicial process.

“Those wanted for serious crimes must not be allowed to evade accountability. We will sustain our manhunt efforts to ensure that they face the judicial process and answer for the charges against them,” PGEN Nartatez said.

“Walang puwang ang karahasan sa ating komunidad. Titiyakin nating mapapanagot sa batas ang mga pinaghahanap ng batas, upang tuluyang makamit ng mga biktima ang hustisyang nararapat para sa kanila,” he added.

The accomplishment supports the PNP Focused Agenda, a framework for transforming police service through stronger accountability and effective law enforcement, particularly under Enhanced Managing Police Operations.

As the PNP strengthens its efforts to bring wanted individuals before the courts under the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., the organization assures the public of its commitment to “Bagong PNP para sa Bagong Pilipinas: Serbisyong Mabilis, Tapat, at Nararamdaman.”

(PNP-PIO)

03/11/2026

PNP ACG ACTS ON 908 CYBERCRIME VICTIMS, REFERS 19 CASES FOR PROSECUTION AS DIGITAL PROTECTION EFFORTS INTENSIFY

With cybercrime increasingly affecting Filipinos across different age groups, the Philippine National Police (PNP) is strengthening its efforts to prevent technology-enabled offenses and pursue cases brought to the attention of authorities.

Under the leadership of Police General Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr., Chief, PNP, the PNP Anti-Cybercrime Group (ACG) recorded 908 cybercrime victims from January to October 15, 2026. The figure includes 20 victims aged 18 and below, 324 aged 19 to 30, 336 aged 31 to 45, 158 aged 46 to 60, and 70 aged 61 and above.

The data underscores that cybercrime can affect anyone, regardless of age. It also highlights the importance of timely reporting and continued public awareness as more Filipinos rely on digital platforms for communication, transactions, and everyday activities.

“Cybercrime can happen in a few clicks, but our response should be deliberate and decisive. Kapag may nag-report, we make sure that the complaint is properly handled and that every available lead is pursued,” PGen Nartatez said.

“Hindi lang ito tungkol sa paghuli. We also want people to be more confident in reporting incidents and more careful about the information they share online,” he added.

During the second week of October, from October 8 to 15, the PNP ACG also referred 19 cybercrime cases for regular filing. These included 10 cases involving swindling or estafa, seven cases of cyber libel, and two additional counts under the cyber libel provision of Republic Act No. 10175, or the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012.

The PNP continues to enhance its capability to address cybercrime through investigation, case build-up, coordination, and public engagement. These efforts form part of the PNP Focused Agenda, particularly under Enhanced Managing Police Operations, which calls for police operations that are responsive to emerging threats and grounded on effective law enforcement and service to the public.

The PNP likewise continues to carry out its mandate in support of the administration of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to promote a safer environment for Filipinos, including in the digital space.

As technology continues to shape everyday life, the PNP reminds the public that vigilance remains a shared responsibility. Through sustained enforcement, stronger public cooperation, and responsive policing, the PNP remains committed to protecting Filipinos online and offline—advancing the vision of a “Bagong PNP para sa Bagong Pilipinas: Serbisyong Mabilis, Tapat at Nararamdaman.”

(PNP-PIO)

03/11/2026

PNP-FDA TEAM HALTS ₱3.5-M UNREGISTERED COOKING OIL TRADE; FEMALE SUSPECT ARRESTED

A coordinated police operation in Batangas has put a stop to the sale of an estimated ₱3.5 million worth of unregistered and unlabeled cooking oil, underscoring the government’s continuing efforts to protect consumers from food products that bypass required safety and regulatory checks.

The operation, conducted under the leadership of Police General Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr., Chief, Philippine National Police (PNP), was carried out in coordination with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and local health authorities in Lipa City on October 27.

The operation was conducted by the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) Batangas Provincial Field Unit, together with the Batangas Provincial Intelligence Unit, 1st Batangas Provincial Mobile Force Company, and Lipa City Police Station. The team recovered storage tanks, containers, and bottles containing cooking oil that were reportedly unregistered with the FDA and did not bear the required product labeling.

A female warehouse employee, identified only as “Cel,” was arrested during the operation after authorities reportedly found her engaged in the sale and trading of the products. The seized items are now under government custody for proper disposition and appropriate regulatory proceedings.

The enforcement activity was undertaken in coordination with the FDA and Lipa City Health Office as authorities strengthened efforts to ensure that food products being sold to the public comply with established safety and registration requirements.

Chief PNP Police General Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr. said the operation demonstrates the importance of police coordination with regulatory agencies in addressing violations that can directly affect consumers.

“Kapag pagkain ang ibinebenta sa publiko, dapat malinaw kung saan ito nanggaling at kung dumaan ito sa tamang proseso. Hindi lang ito tungkol sa enforcement; it is also about making sure that people can have confidence in the products they bring home for their families,” PGen Nartatez said.

The PNP emphasized that businesses involved in the manufacture, distribution, or sale of food products are expected to comply with existing laws and regulatory requirements. Republic Act No. 9711, or the Food and Drug Administration Act of 2009, prohibits the manufacture, distribution, sale, and offering for sale of food products without the required FDA authorization.

The operation is part of the PNP’s continuing efforts to strengthen coordinated law enforcement and address activities that may affect public welfare. It is aligned with the PNP Focused Agenda, particularly under Enhanced Managing Police Operations (EMPO), which calls for responsive, coordinated, and effective police action in addressing concerns that affect communities.

The PNP likewise continues to support the administration of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. in advancing public safety and protecting the welfare of Filipinos through strengthened enforcement and closer cooperation among government agencies.

As the case undergoes appropriate legal and regulatory proceedings, the PNP encourages businesses to observe all applicable requirements and reminds the public to remain vigilant when purchasing food products, particularly those with unclear labeling or origin.

The operation reflects the PNP’s continuing commitment to public protection through responsible and coordinated law enforcement—consistent with the “Bagong PNP para sa Bagong Pilipinas: Serbisyong Mabilis, Tapat at Nararamdaman.”

(PNP-PIO)

03/11/2026

03/11/2026

NO BORDERS TO LAWFUL ACCOUNTABILITY: FRENCH NATIONAL WANTED OVER ALLEGED CRIMES AGAINST MINORS ARRESTED IN CEBU

Reinforcing the Philippines' commitment to international law enforcement cooperation, the Philippine National Police (PNP), under the leadership of Chief PNP Police General Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr., has successfully arrested a French national wanted by judicial authorities in France over alleged sexual offenses involving minors.

The foreign national was arrested during a coordinated operation conducted on October 29, 2026, in Barangay Panalipan, Catmon, Cebu. The operation involved personnel of the Catmon Municipal Police Station, Police Intelligence Unit of Cebu Police Provincial Office, Regional Intelligence Division 7, Naval Forces Central, Naval Forces Central Cebu, and the Bureau of Immigration's Fugitive Search Unit.

The arrest was carried out pursuant to a warrant issued by the Tribunal Judiciaire de Montauban, France, on March 28, 2024, in connection with alleged offenses involving minors under the French Penal Code. Following the operation, the arrested foreign national was placed under the custody of the Bureau of Immigration's Fugitive Search Unit for appropriate legal and immigration proceedings.

Chief PNP Police General Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr. underscored the importance of close coordination among law enforcement agencies, particularly when cases involve individuals sought by foreign authorities.

“Ang batas ay hindi natatapos sa hangganan ng isang bansa. When there is a lawful request and proper legal basis, we must work with our international partners to ensure that appropriate processes are carried out. Our country must never become a place where individuals can evade accountability simply by crossing borders,” PGen Nartatez said.

He further underscored that every operation must be guided by verified information, proper coordination, and respect for the rights of all persons involved.

The operation demonstrates the PNP's continuing efforts to strengthen intelligence-driven policing and inter-agency cooperation under the Enhanced Managing Police Operations (EMPO) component of its Focused Agenda. These initiatives support the administration of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. in advancing public safety, strengthening the rule of law, and maintaining the country's standing as a responsible partner in international law enforcement.

Through sustained cooperation and accountable police service, the PNP remains committed to ensuring that lawful processes are upheld and that its mandate to protect the public is carried out with integrity, in keeping with its vision of Bagong PNP para sa Bagong Pilipinas: Serbisyong Mabilis, Tapat at Nararamdaman.

(PNP-PIO)

03/11/2026

NO LETUP IN WARRANT IMPLEMENTATION: PNP INTENSIFIES NATIONWIDE OPERATIONS, MOBILIZES REGIONAL TASK GROUPS

The Philippine National Police (PNP) is stepping up its nationwide operations to implement the International Criminal Court (ICC) warrant against Senator Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa, with a dedicated national Task Group supervising and coordinating the intensified search efforts, supported by corresponding teams across all regional police offices.

Under the leadership of Police General Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr., Chief, PNP, the intensified operations are directly supervised by Police Lieutenant General Wilson Joseph F. Lopez, Officer-in-Charge, Deputy Chief PNP for Administration, who heads the Task Group created specifically to oversee the search and implementation of the warrant.

During the press briefing on Friday, October 30, PLTGen Lopez disclosed that the PNP immediately organized the dedicated Task Group upon receiving instructions from the Department of the Interior and Local Government. Similar teams were established in all regional offices to ensure nationwide coverage and coordinated operations.

With the one-week period given for voluntary surrender ending today, PLTGen Lopez emphasized that the PNP is further intensifying its intelligence-driven efforts, with all possible leads and operational scenarios being considered.

The PNP is also maintaining close coordination with the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and other law enforcement agencies. PLTGen Lopez confirmed the AFP's readiness to extend assistance when necessary, including through its air and water assets, although no formal written request has been made.

“We are intensifying all our efforts. The PNP will continue to perform its mandate, and we are looking at all possible angles while ensuring that our operations remain intelligence-driven and properly coordinated,” PLTGen Lopez said.

Meanwhile, the PNP has received numerous calls and information through its public hotlines following the announcement of the ₱50-million bounty. However, all reported leads and possible locations remain subject to validation. Information relayed by the Bureau of Immigration also indicated that Senator Dela Rosa had not departed the country.

While declining to disclose operational details, PLTGen Lopez assured that all possible scenarios are being considered in operational planning. He reiterated that the opportunity for voluntary surrender remains open despite the expiration of the one-week period, emphasizing the PNP's preference for a peaceful resolution. He also pointed out that individuals who deliberately conceal or harbor persons subject to lawful arrest may incur legal liability, depending on the circumstances and applicable laws.

For his part, PGen Nartatez underscored that the PNP's determination to implement the warrant must always be matched by professionalism, discipline, and respect for human rights.

“We will not relent in fulfilling our mandate. Every member of the PNP must remain focused, disciplined, and guided by the rule of law. We will pursue every lead, strengthen our coordination, and exhaust all lawful means to implement the warrant. But our determination must always be matched by professionalism and respect for human rights. We want this matter resolved peacefully, without unnecessary harm to anyone,” PGen Nartatez said.

These efforts are aligned with the PNP Focused Agenda, particularly Enhanced Managing Police Operations (EMPO) and Integrity Monitoring, reinforcing the organization's commitment to accountable, intelligence-driven, and lawful police operations.

The PNP urges the public to continue providing relevant information through official police hotlines and communication channels. All reports will undergo proper validation to ensure that operational decisions are based on credible information.

The PNP remains steadfast in fulfilling its mandate with determination, professionalism, and full respect for the rule of law.

(PNP-PIO)

03/11/2026

SMUGGLING NETWORKS HIT: ₱10.3-M CIGARETTE HAUL SEIZED IN SURIGAO DEL SUR, PALAWAN; 2 ARRESTED

The Philippine National Police (PNP), under the leadership of PNP Chief PGEN Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr., dealt a significant blow to cigarette smuggling through separate anti-smuggling operations in Surigao del Sur and Palawan on October 30, 2026, resulting in the confiscation of approximately ₱10.3 million worth of contraband and the arrest of two suspects.

In Surigao del Sur, operatives of the Lianga Municipal Police Station, 1st Surigao del Sur Provincial Mobile Force Company, and Provincial Intelligence Unit seized 200 master cases of smuggled ci******es valued at ₱9,000,000.00 in Barangay Saint Christin, Lianga. The operation also led to the arrest of two Filipino suspects, aged 50 and 27, and the confiscation of a truck used to transport the contraband. The arrested suspects are under the custody of Lianga MPS, while the seized ci******es are under the custody of the 1st PMFC.

Meanwhile, in Bataraza, Palawan, operatives of the Bataraza Municipal Police Station, Provincial Intelligence Unit, 1st Palawan Provincial Mobile Force Company, and Balabac Riotuba Sub-Base confiscated 11 master cases of New Berlin ci******es, one master case of Fort Menthol ci******es, and five large plastic bags containing 50 reams of ci******es in Sitio Tagdalongon, Barangay Riotuba. The seized items had an estimated market value of ₱1,314,000.00 and were placed under the custody of Bataraza MPS for documentation and proper disposition.

PGEN Nartatez stressed that the PNP will remain resolute in preventing the entry and distribution of smuggled products, which undermine legitimate businesses. “We will not allow illegal traders to exploit our communities and gain an unfair advantage over legitimate businesses. Our enforcement efforts will remain steadfast in protecting lawful commerce and the interests of the Filipino people,” PGEN Nartatez said,” he said.

He also urged the public to help authorities combat the illegal trade by providing timely and reliable information. “Walang puwang ang smuggling sa ating bansa. Patuloy nating paiiralin ang batas at sisiguraduhing mapapanagot ang mga nasa likod ng ilegal na kalakalang ito,” PGEN Nartatez added.

These operations reinforce the PNP Focused Agenda, particularly Enhanced Managing Police Operations, which strengthens intelligence-driven enforcement against illegal activities and protects communities from their adverse effects.

As the PNP intensifies its campaign against smuggling to protect legitimate commerce and safeguard government revenues under the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., it assures the public of its commitment to “Bagong PNP para sa Bagong Pilipinas: Serbisyong Mabilis, Tapat, at Nararamdaman.”

(PNP-PIO)