Patz Ronel

PNP RESPONDS TO REPORT, RECOVERS FIREARM FROM MINOR IN SOUTH COTABATO

The Philippine National Police (PNP) has recovered an issued service firearm from a 16-year-old student after police responded to a report of an individual allegedly carrying a handgun along the National Highway in Barangay Poblacion, Tupi, South Cotabato, on July 7, 2026.

According to the report submitted by Police Regional Office 12, Tupi Municipal Police Station received information from a local government employee regarding a male student allegedly carrying a handgun in the area. A police patrol team immediately responded and intercepted the individual.

The 16-year-old student was found carrying a 9mm pistol with two magazines containing live ammunition.

Initial investigation disclosed that the recovered firearm was an issued service firearm belonging to a family member who is an authorized firearm holder. The firearm was allegedly accessed by the minor without the owner’s knowledge or consent.

The student was immediately brought to the Tupi Municipal Police Station, referred to the Women and Children Protection Desk (WCPD), and was later turned over to the custody of the Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office (MSWDO) of Tupi for proper intervention and appropriate disposition.

Appropriate legal action is being pursued in coordination with concerned authorities following the recovery of the firearm.

Chief PNP Police General Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr. reminded licensed firearm holders and their families to strictly observe proper storage and handling of fi****ms to prevent unauthorized access and possible accidents.

“Ang pagkakaroon ng baril ay may kasamang malaking responsibilidad. Hindi sapat na ito ay lisensyado lamang; dapat tiyakin din na ito ay ligtas na nakatago at hindi maaabot ng mga walang awtoridad na gumamit, lalo na ng mga kabataan,” PGen Nartatez said.

The Chief PNP also called on parents and guardians to remain vigilant and actively guide their children, particularly by maintaining open communication and being aware of their activities and surroundings.

“Sa mga magulang at tagapag-alaga, mahalaga ang patuloy na paggabay at pakikipag-usap sa ating mga anak. Ang simpleng pag-alam kung nasaan sila at kung ano ang kanilang ginagawa ay malaking hakbang upang maiwasan ang anumang hindi kanais-nais na pangyayari,” he added.

The PNP likewise appealed to the public to immediately report any information involving unauthorized possession, carrying, or improper handling of fi****ms.

“Ang kaligtasan ng komunidad ay responsibilidad ng bawat isa. Makipagtulungan tayo sa mga awtoridad upang mapanatiling ligtas ang ating mga tahanan at pamayanan. Ang bawat impormasyong maibabahagi sa pulisya ay maaaring makatulong upang maiwasan ang trahedya,” CPNP Nartatez emphasized.

The PNP remains committed to strengthening its campaign on responsible firearm ownership, crime prevention, and community partnership as part of the Bagong PNP para sa Bagong Pilipinas: Serbisyong Mabilis, Tapat, at Nararamdaman.

(PNP-PIO)

PNP CYBERCRIME DRIVE GAINS GROUND: 303 ARRESTED, 38 VICTIMS RESCUED IN THREE MONTHS

The Philippine National Police Anti-Cybercrime Group (PNP ACG) recorded significant accomplishments in its continuing campaign against cyber-related offenses, arresting 303 individuals and rescuing 38 victims during its operations from April to June 2026.

The arrests were made through various law enforcement efforts, including the implementation of court-issued warrants, entrapment operations, and cybercrime investigations. Of the total, 101 individuals were arrested through warrants, 137 through entrapment operations, 64 through Warrants to Search, Seize, and Examine Computer Data (WSSECD), while another individual was intercepted during a rescue operation.

To strengthen its preventive and investigative measures, the PNP ACG conducted 6,845 cyber patrol operations to monitor online activities, identify possible threats, and support the immediate response against cybercrime incidents. The Group also completed 220 digital forensic examinations, providing technical assistance in the investigation of cyber-related cases.

The unit likewise implemented various cyber-related court orders during the period, including six Warrants to Search, Seize, and Examine Computer Data (WSSECD), one Warrant to Examine Computer Data (WECD), and 369 Warrants to Disclose Computer Data (WDCD).

Chief PNP Police General Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr. said these accomplishments highlight the importance of proactive and technology-driven policing in addressing crimes that continue to evolve with the changing digital landscape.

“Ang paglaban sa cybercrime ay hindi lamang tungkol sa paghuli ng lumalabag sa batas. Mahalaga rin ang mabilis na pagtugon, pagprotekta sa mga biktima, at pagtulong sa publiko na maging mas ligtas online,” Police General Nartatez said.

He added that the PNP will continue to enhance its capabilities and strengthen partnerships with other government agencies and stakeholders to ensure that law enforcement remains responsive to the needs of the Filipino people.

The PNP’s intensified cybercrime operations are aligned with the PNP Focused Agenda, particularly under Enhanced Managing Police Operations, which promotes intelligence-based, coordinated, and effective police actions. These efforts also support the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to advance public safety through responsive and modern law enforcement services.

With the continued dedication of PNP personnel in safeguarding communities both offline and online, the organization remains committed to the vision of a “Bagong PNP para sa Bagong Pilipinas: Serbisyong Mabilis, Tapat at Nararamdaman.”

(PNP-PIO)

PNP, DEPED PARTNERSHIP PROMOTES EARLY DETECTION, PREVENTS POTENTIAL OCCURRENCE OF SCHOOL INCIDENTS

The Philippine National Police (PNP) has highlighted the importance of strengthened coordination between the PNP and the Department of Education (DepEd) following the swift response of police officers to a report involving a Grade 10 learner found carrying a firearm inside a school campus in Iloilo.

School personnel immediately notified the local police after discovering the firearm inside the learner's backpack during school hours. Responding officers promptly proceeded to the school, secured the firearm, ensured the safety of students and school personnel, and carried out the necessary child-sensitive intervention procedures.

The 15-year-old learner was placed under the appropriate child-sensitive intervention process and has been turned over to the Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office (MSWDO) for proper care and disposition, in accordance with existing child protection laws. The recovered caliber .38 revolver, loaded with six live ammunition rounds, remains in police custody for proper documentation and appropriate legal proceedings.

The PNP said the incident demonstrates the growing vigilance of teachers, school officials, and learners following recent incidents involving students in different parts of the country. More importantly, it reflects the value of timely reporting and close coordination between schools and law enforcement in addressing concerns before they escalate.

This continuing partnership between the PNP and DepEd strengthens efforts to keep schools safe while ensuring that interventions involving children are carried out in accordance with existing laws and child protection policies. It also supports the PNP Focused Agenda on Enhanced Managing Police Operations, which promotes proactive policing, stronger community partnerships, and immediate response to public safety concerns in support of the peace and security initiatives of the administration of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.

PNP Chief Police General Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr. commended the school authorities and responding police officers for their prompt and responsible action.

"Ang pinakamahalaga rito ay nanatiling ligtas ang ating mga estudyante at mga g**o. Ang mabilis na pag-uulat ng paaralan at agarang pagresponde ng ating mga pulis ay patunay na kapag nagtutulungan ang komunidad at ang law enforcement, mas napoprotektahan natin ang ating mga kabataan."

The Chief PNP also encouraged schools and communities to continue fostering a culture of awareness and cooperation.

"Patuloy nating palakasin ang ugnayan ng mga paaralan, mga magulang, lokal na pamahalaan, at ng PNP. Huwag tayong mag-atubiling ipagbigay-alam ang anumang sitwasyong maaaring makaapekto sa kaligtasan ng ating mga estudyante. Sa ganitong paraan, sama-sama nating napapanatiling ligtas ang ating mga paaralan."

The PNP reaffirmed its commitment to continue working closely with DepEd, local government units, and other stakeholders to strengthen school safety initiatives nationwide through early intervention, community partnership, and responsive policing. These efforts reflect the organization's continuing commitment to Bagong PNP para sa Bagong Pilipinas: Serbisyong Mabilis, Tapat at Nararamdaman, ensuring that every learner can study in a safe and secure environment.

(PNP-PIO)

PNP’S JULY DRIVE MARKS ARREST OF 6 CENTRAL LUZON MOST WANTED FUGITIVES

The Philippine National Police (PNP), under the command of PGEN Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr., opened the month of July with a major accomplishment in its intensified campaign against wanted persons as the Police Regional Office 3 (PRO3) successfully arrested six of Central Luzon’s Regional Most Wanted Persons in separate intelligence-driven operations conducted across Bulacan, Laguna, Pangasinan, Bataan, and Nueva Ecija on July 1, 2026.

The operations resulted in the arrest of the No. 1, No. 2, No. 3, No. 4, No. 9, and No. 10 Regional Most Wanted Persons, all facing charges for murder, r**e, qualified r**e, statutory r**e, and r**e by sexual assault. The accused were apprehended by virtue of warrants of arrest issued by the respective courts, with no bail recommended in the applicable cases.

Among those arrested was the No. 1 Regional Most Wanted Person, who is facing four counts of statutory r**e and was arrested in Infanta, Pangasinan through a joint operation led by the San Felipe Municipal Police Station with support from the Regional Intelligence Unit 3 (RIU3), the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) Zambales, and other operating units. In Obando, Bulacan, police also captured the No. 2 Regional Most Wanted Person, who is facing three counts of r**e, through the efforts of the Obando Municipal Police Station Tracker Team with intelligence support from the Provincial Intelligence Team (PIT) Bulacan West and RIU3.

Meanwhile, the No. 3 Regional Most Wanted Person, wanted for qualified r**e, was arrested in Alaminos, Laguna through the combined efforts of the Casiguran Municipal Police Station, Aurora police units, and the Alaminos Municipal Police Station. In another operation, personnel of the San Jose del Monte City Police Station Warrant Section, together with PIT Bulacan East, RIU3, and the Regional Mobile Force Battalion 3, arrested the No. 4 Regional Most Wanted Person in Valenzuela City, who is facing a murder charge.

PRO3 also accounted for the arrest of the No. 10 Regional Most Wanted Person, who is wanted for r**e by sexual assault, in Balanga City, Bataan through a joint operation conducted by the Balanga City Police Station, RIU3, and the Provincial Intelligence Unit Bataan. In Nueva Ecija, the No. 9 Regional Most Wanted Person, who was likewise the No. 1 City Most Wanted Person of Palayan City, was arrested by the Palayan City Police Station Tracker Team in General Mamerto Natividad for r**e under Article 266-A of the Revised Penal Code. Following the operation, the accused were placed under police custody for documentation and proper legal disposition.

“The arrest of these six high-ranking fugitives reflects the PNP’s unwavering commitment to ensuring that individuals charged with grave offenses are brought before the courts. We will continue to strengthen intelligence and law enforcement efforts to keep dangerous offenders from evading justice.” said PGEN Nartatez.

The accomplishment supports the PNP Focus Agenda, an organizational framework for transformation designed to make police service more responsive, accountable, and community-centered. Among its key priorities, Enhanced Managing Police Operations continues to strengthen intelligence-driven law enforcement efforts, enabling police units to locate and arrest high-value fugitives through sustained operational coordination.

“Hindi kami titigil hangga’t hindi nahaharap sa batas ang mga taong pinaghahanap dahil sa mabibigat na krimen. Patuloy naming paiigtingin ang aming operasyon upang maprotektahan ang bawat komunidad at matiyak na naipatutupad ang batas.” added PGEN Nartatez.

As the PNP further intensifies intelligence-driven operations against wanted persons under the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., the PNP continues to assure the public of “Bagong PNP para sa Bagong Pilipinas: Serbisyong mabilis, tapat, at nararamdaman.”

(PNP-PIO)

PNP STATEMENT ON THE PEACEFUL CONDUCT OF THE SECOND DAY OF THE PUBLIC ASSEMBLY

The Philippine National Police (PNP) reports that the second day's program of the protest activity of members of the Iglesia Ni Cristo (INC) along White Plains Avenue corner EDSA, Quezon City concluded peacefully at around 8:00 PM today, July 1, 2026. Participants were observed leaving the area in an orderly manner. According to the announcement made by the organizers at about 8:16 PM, the activity will continue tomorrow at Liwasang Bonifacio in Manila.

Throughout the activity, the PNP exercised maximum tolerance while ensuring public safety, maintaining peace and order, and facilitating the orderly flow of traffic in coordination with concerned government agencies. Police personnel remained on the ground to assist commuters, manage traffic, and ensure the safe and orderly dispersal of participants.

The PNP respects every Filipino's constitutional right to peaceful assembly while remaining steadfast in its duty to uphold the rule of law and protect public order. As the activity shifts to Liwasang Bonifacio in Manila, the PNP will sustain its security deployment and continue close coordination with the concerned local government units and partner agencies to ensure its peaceful and orderly conduct.

We remain committed to safeguarding everyone on the ground, especially the demonstrators themselves, while ensuring the safety and convenience of commuters, motorists, nearby communities, and the general public.

The Philippine National Police thanks the public, partner agencies, and all participants for their cooperation and appeals for the continued observance of peace, discipline, and respect for the rule of law.

PGEN JOSE MELENCIO C. NARTATEZ JR.
Chief, Philippine National Police

PNP SUSTAINS SECURITY OPERATIONS ON THIRD DAY OF PUBLIC ASSEMBLY

The Philippine National Police (PNP) continues to maintain security operations on the third day of the Iglesia Ni Cristo (INC)-led rally, with police personnel remaining deployed to ensure public safety, maintain peace and order, and facilitate the lawful exercise of the people's constitutional right to peaceful assembly.

As of 2:00 p.m. on July 2, the activity at Liwasang Bonifacio, Manila remained ongoing, with an estimated 2,300 participants at the venue. A total of 3,784 PNP personnel, together with partner agencies, remain strategically deployed in key areas to support security, traffic management, and public safety operations.

Following a continuing assessment of the security situation across the country, the PNP has downgraded the alert status to Heightened Alert in all Police Regional Offices effective 12:01 a.m. of July 2, while the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) and Crame-based offices and units remain under Full Alert Status to ensure adequate security coverage as the activity continues.

The calibrated deployment enables the organization to sustain necessary security measures while allowing police units nationwide to continue delivering regular public safety services.

The ongoing security operations are being carried out in support of the administration of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and are aligned with the PNP Focused Agenda under Enhanced Managing Police Operations, emphasizing a balanced approach that protects public safety while upholding the constitutional rights of all.

PNP Chief Police General Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr. directed all deployed personnel to remain disciplined, impartial, and service-oriented throughout the activity.

"Patuloy tayong nakaantabay upang matiyak ang kaligtasan ng lahat. Ang ating mga kapulisan ay naroon hindi lamang para magpanatili ng kaayusan kundi para tiyaking maayos na naisasagawa ang mga legal na aktibidad habang ligtas ang publiko. Mananatili tayong propesyonal at handang tumulong sa ating mga kababayan," said PGen Nartatez.

He added, "The adjustment of our alert status reflects our continuing assessment of the situation while ensuring that appropriate security measures remain in place where they are needed most. Our commitment is to remain responsive, respectful of people's rights, and focused on public safety."

The PNP will continue to monitor developments closely and coordinate with concerned agencies as the activity progresses, in keeping with its commitment to Bagong PNP para sa Bagong Pilipinas: Serbisyong Mabilis, Tapat at Nararamdaman.

(PNP-PIO)

SWIFT SCHOOL ACTION, PNP COORDINATION REINFORCE CAMPAIGN AGAINST ILLEGAL DRUGS

The Philippine National Police (PNP) highlighted the importance of early detection and strong collaboration between schools and law enforcement following the successful recovery of suspected illegal drugs inside a public school in Barangay Addition Hills, Mandaluyong City on July 1, 2026, preventing the situation from escalating and reinforcing efforts to keep learning environments safe.

The incident began after school personnel conducted an internal inquiry over reports of a missing cellphone and cash. During the process, an 18-year-old Grade 11 student attempted to leave the school premises but was stopped by the school's security personnel.

A subsequent inspection, conducted with the assistance of responding police officers, led to the recovery of an eco-bag containing several sachets of suspected high-grade ma*****na, commonly known as kush, along with drug paraphernalia. A second student, a 17-year-old Child in Conflict with the Law (CICL), was also found in possession of additional sachets concealed inside a canister.

Authorities recovered a total of 33 sachets of suspected kush weighing approximately 40 grams, with an estimated standard drug price of ₱60,000. The 18-year-old student was placed under police custody for the filing of the appropriate charges and subjected to standard legal procedures, while the minor was turned over to the appropriate social welfare authorities and brought to a youth care facility, consistent with existing child protection laws.

The PNP emphasized that the incident demonstrates how prompt action by school officials, coupled with immediate coordination with the Department of Education, local government authorities, and the police, can prevent illegal drugs from further reaching students. It likewise reflects the continuing implementation of the PNP Focused Agenda under Enhanced Managing Police Operations, which strengthens preventive policing and community partnerships in support of the administration of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to provide safer schools and communities.

PNP Chief, Police General Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr., commended the school administrators, teachers, and security personnel for their vigilance and immediate coordination with authorities.

"Ang pinakamahalagang mensahe rito ay ang halaga ng maagap na pagkilos. Dahil sa pagiging mapagmatyag ng ating mga g**o at school personnel, naagapan ang isang sitwasyon na maaaring magdulot ng mas malaking panganib sa ating mga kabataan. Ipagpatuloy natin ang malapit na ugnayan ng PNP, DepEd, mga magulang, at buong komunidad upang mapanatiling ligtas ang ating mga paaralan," PGen Nartatez said.

He also reminded parents and guardians to remain actively involved in their children's lives and encouraged students to stay away from illegal drugs and immediately seek help from trusted adults whenever necessary.

"Hindi lang trabaho ng pulis ang pagprotekta sa kabataan. Sama-sama nating bantayan sila. Kapag nagkakaisa ang paaralan, pamilya, komunidad, at pamahalaan, mas marami tayong kabataang mailalayo sa ipinagbabawal na droga at masisig**o nating mananatiling ligtas ang kanilang kinabukasan," he added.

The PNP assures the public that it will continue working closely with the Department of Education and other partner agencies to strengthen preventive measures in schools while upholding the rights and welfare of children. This sustained partnership embodies Bagong PNP para sa Bagong Pilipinas: Serbisyong Mabilis, Tapat at Nararamdaman, where public safety is achieved through prevention, cooperation, and responsive police service.

(PNP-PIO)