Ex-police officer wanted for murder arrested after 20 years in hiding

SAN FERNANDO, PAMPANGA — A former police officer who evaded the law for nearly two decades was finally arrested by authorities in an operation conducted in San Fernando, Pampanga.

The suspect, identified as alias "Nico Cruz Garcia," 49, was wanted for murder and was apprehended on 5 March at 10:15 AM at Block 7, Lot 1, Phase 1, Montana View, Barangay Panipuan.

According to reports, Garcia had been in hiding since 2006 and was the subject of an arrest warrant for murder issued by Hon. Dina Pestaño Teves, presiding judge of the Regional Trial Court, Branch 142, Makati City. The warrant, issued on 15 November 2006, carried a no-bail recommendation, highlighting the severity of the charges.

The arrest was executed through the coordinated efforts of multiple law enforcement units, including the Station Intelligence Section and the Warrant and Subpoena Unit, under the direct supervision of PCol. Jean Dela Torre.

Other participating units included the Pampanga Provincial Police Office (PPO), San Fernando City Police Station (CPS), Mexico Municipal Police Station (MPS), Macabebe MPS, 1st and 2nd Provincial Mobile Force Companies, and SDIT RIU-NCR-IG.

Alias "Nico" was immediately processed for legal documentation and transferred to the Makati City police station, where mugshots and other procedural requirements will be completed before his formal turnover to judicial authorities.

PBGen. Manuel J. Abrugena, District Director of the Southern Police District, commended the officers involved and urged continued diligence in tracking down fugitives.

“The arrest of this fugitive reflects the unwavering commitment of law enforcement to ensuring criminals are held accountable, no matter how long they evade justice,” Abrugena said.

Authorities vowed to intensify intelligence operations and strengthen coordination among police units to apprehend wanted individuals. The public was also encouraged to support anti-crime initiatives by reporting suspicious activities.