Authorities arrested 16 individuals in Northern Samar during a weeklong police operation conducted from November 27 to December 4, 2025.

Among those apprehended was a Regional Top 10 Most Wanted fugitive facing a rape charge in the town of Lavezares, a major breakthrough in police manhunt efforts. Police also arrested a Municipal Top 10 Most Wanted suspect from Mondragon who is charged with theft.

Ten other wanted persons facing various cases, including acts of lasciviousness, grave threat, robbery, attempted murder, and murder, were also taken into custody.

In anti-illegal drug operations, one suspect was arrested after police recovered illegal drugs and drug paraphernalia in his possession. Four individuals were nabbed in separate illegal gambling operations, while three were arrested in anti-illegal logging operations in San Jose and San Roque.

All arrested individuals were brought to their respective municipal police stations.