Ang Pahayagan

CAMP OLIVAS, Pampanga — A 61-year-old businessman wanted for large-scale and syndicated illegal recruitment was arrested by authorities during a law enforcement operation conducted in Barangay Magsaysay, Castillejos, Zambales on May 14, 2026.

The suspect was apprehended by joint operatives of the Castillejos Municipal Police Station (MPS) and the Provincial Intelligence Unit of the Zambales Police Provincial Office (ZPPO) through the tracker team led by Police Major Michael Udal.

Authorities implemented a warrant of arrest for Large-Scale and Syndicated Illegal Recruitment under Criminal Case No. R-QZN-26-01497-CR issued by the Regional Trial Court, Branch 309, presided by Judge Romel S. Odronia. The court recommended no bail for the accused.

Police said the operation was carried out peacefully after intelligence monitoring confirmed the suspect’s location in the area.

The arrested individual is now under the custody of Castillejos MPS for proper documentation and disposition prior to turnover to the issuing court.

Police Regional Office 3 (PRO3) Regional Director Brig. General Jess B. Mendez commended the operating units for the successful arrest and reaffirmed the police force’s commitment to protecting the public against illegal recruitment and fraudulent activities.

“We will continue to strengthen our operations against individuals attempting to evade the law. PRO3 remains committed to ensuring that those involved in illegal activities, particularly cases that greatly affect the welfare and livelihood of our fellow citizens, are held accountable before the law,” Mendez said.

The operation forms part of PRO3’s intensified campaign against criminality and illegal recruitment activities across Central Luzon. (Jason de Asis)