Ang Pahayagan

CAMP OLIVAS, Pampanga — A 44-year-old man tagged as the Rank 1 Municipal Most Wanted Person of Santa Cruz was arrested by authorities during a law enforcement operation in Baguio City on May 15, 2026, after more than a year of intelligence monitoring and coordination among police units.

The suspect was apprehended in Barangay San Vicente by joint operatives of the Santa Cruz Municipal Police Station, Provincial Intelligence Unit of the Zambales Police Provincial Office, Police Station 8 of the Baguio City Police Office, and Police Regional Office Cordillera Administrative Region.

Authorities said the arrest was carried out by virtue of a warrant issued by Judge Marifi P. Chua of the Regional Trial Court Branch 70 in Iba, Zambales for the crime of parricide under Article 246 of the Revised Penal Code. The case carries no recommended bail.

Investigation revealed that the suspect is the primary accused in the killing of his wife, who was a medical doctor, their three-month-old daughter, and their house helper in Santa Cruz, Zambales in December 2024 — a case that shocked and saddened the local community.

Police said the suspect allegedly went into hiding after the incident before authorities eventually tracked his whereabouts through sustained intelligence operations, leading to his arrest at around 2:15 p.m. in Baguio City.

The suspect is currently under the custody of Santa Cruz MPS for proper documentation and legal procedures.

Police Brig. General Jess B. Mendez, Regional Director of Police Regional Office 3, commended the operating units for the successful operation and emphasized the importance of inter-agency coordination in the arrest of wanted persons.

“This operation reflects our commitment to ensuring that persons facing serious criminal charges are properly brought before the law. No matter how long it takes, our police units will continue to work together to locate and arrest individuals who attempt to evade justice,” Mendez said.

The operation forms part of the intensified campaign of the Philippine National Police against wanted persons in line with its focused agenda on enhanced police operations and public safety. (Jason de Asis)