The Philippine National Police (PNP) reported a significant increase in the number of arrested wanted persons, particularly high-priority targets, at the start of 2026.

In a report by RH Edniel Parrosa on DZRH's Magandang Umaga Pilipinas (MUP, PNP spokesperson PBGen. Randulf Tuaño said the intensified law enforcement operations resulted in a total of 9,046 arrests conducted by various police units from December 2025 to January 2026.

Of the total figure, 5,946 individuals were arrested at the beginning of the year alone—an increase from more than 4,000 arrests recorded toward the end of 2025.

The PNP also noted a 32.8 percent rise in the arrest of wanted personalities classified as priority targets from over 1,600 to more than 2,000 during the same period.

Despite these gains, the police organization acknowledged that more than 212,000 individuals remain on the list of fugitives nationwide.

PNP Chief Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. emphasized that the improved figures reflect intensified police operations under existing policies.

He added that the accomplishment demonstrates stronger coordination between local government units and the PNP’s specialized national units.