Police Station 5 of the Angeles City Police Office (ACPO) captured a longtime fugitive facing 26 counts of rape, who had been evading authorities for more than 16 years. The arrest occurred on January 23, 2026, at a commercial establishment in Brgy. Cuayan, Angeles City.

Acting PNP Chief PLTGEN Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr. praised the operation, saying, “Pinapakita nito na kahit gaano katagal o kalayo ang pagtakas ng isang kriminal, mahuhuli at maaabot pa rin natin ang hustisya. The law catches up with those who think they can run forever.”

The suspect, wanted for crimes committed in April 2008 in Angeles City, was arrested under a warrant of arrest issued by the Regional Trial Court of Angeles City, with no bail recommended.

The operation was conducted by PS5 Angeles CPO in coordination with the Criminal Investigation Task Force, CIT Angeles, RIU 3, ACPO Tracker Team, ACPO CIU, ACPO CMFC, 302nd RMFB3, and the PRO3 Cyber Patrol Team.

PLTGEN Nartatez emphasized that the success reflects the effectiveness of the PNP’s Enhanced Managing Police Operations (EMPO), a core pillar of the PNP Focus Agenda. He added that the operation demonstrates the PNP’s commitment to delivering justice, enforcing the law, and ensuring community safety under its initiative, Bagong PNP para sa Bagong Pilipinas: Serbisyong Mabilis, Tapat, at Nararamdaman.