Acting on the directive of National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) Director Jaime B. Santiago, agents of the NBI-Laoag District Office (NBI-LADO) and NBI-Ilocos Regional Office (NBI-IRO) conducted a joint operation, leading to the arrest of two persons.

Santiago identified the arrested suspects as Arnel Placido and Ma. Carnete Santy Manzano in Quezon City and Laoag City on 12 August 2025.

Reports showed that on 24 March 2025, a warrant of arrest was issued by the Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 4, Laoag City, against Manzano and others for Qualified Human Trafficking, in relation to the criminal charges filed by NBI-IRO.

Santiago said that on 12 August 2025, NBI-LADO and NBI-IRO hatched a simultaneous operation in Laoag City and Quezon City.

On the same date, Manzano was arrested in Laoag City, while subject Placido was apprehended in Quezon City.

The two suspects have undergone booking procedures and are currently detained in NBI-LADO, Laoag City.

They will remain under the custody of the Bureau until the issuing court orders their commitment to a proper detention facility.

Director Santiago stated that the NBI is committed to arresting fugitives to ensure they face the charges filed against them in a court of law.