Nearly 600 wanted persons were arrested across Central Luzon in a 22-day intensified manhunt conducted by the Police Regional Office 3 from February 24 to March 17, 2026. (Jason De Asis)
CAMP OLIVAS, Pampanga — The Police Regional Office 3 (PRO3) has intensified its campaign against wanted persons across Central Luzon, leading to the arrest of 576 individuals during a 22-day manhunt operation conducted from February 24 to March 17, 2026.
Data from the Regional Investigation and Detective Management Division released on Thursday, March 19, 2026 showed that 424 of those arrested were classified as Other Wanted Persons, while 152 were listed as Most Wanted Persons, reflecting the sustained effort of police units in tracking down fugitives across the region.
PRO3 Regional Director Jess B. Mendez said the operations were carried out simultaneously in different provinces and cities in Central Luzon, focusing on the identification, location, and arrest of individuals with standing warrants of arrest issued by the courts.
A significant accomplishment during the operation was the swift arrest of all Top 10 Regional Most Wanted Persons, which authorities managed to capture just two days after the start of March.
“We will continue to sustain the momentum in our efforts to locate and arrest wanted persons. This is part of our commitment to maintain peace and order in the region,” Mendez said.
He noted that the accomplishment aligns with the focused agenda of the Philippine National Police, particularly in strengthening enhanced police operations and ensuring a more responsive and effective law enforcement service.
“Pulis Central Luzon will continue to deliver Serbisyong mabilis, tapat, at nararamdaman for the people we serve,” he added.
PRO3 also emphasized that close coordination with local government units and partner agencies, including the PRO3 Cyberpatrollers, remains crucial in locating fugitives and ensuring their immediate arrest as part of the region’s ongoing campaign to uphold peace and order. (Jason de Asis)