The Quezon City Police District (QCPD) announced Sunday the arrest of a wanted person who was the subject of an INTERPOL Red Notice, following her repatriation to the Philippines.

QCPD acting director Col. Randy Glenn Silvio identified the suspect only as “Maria,” 48, a resident of Bobon, Northern Samar. She was arrested at Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3 in Pasay City.

The arrest took place at about 11 p.m. last 5 November, during a joint operation involving the QCPD’s District Intelligence Division and Criminal Investigation and Detection Unit, along with the PNP Foreign Liaison Division, PNP-Aviation Security Group, Aviation Security Unit-NCR, and NAIA Police Station 3.

“Maria” was arrested based on an outstanding warrant for homicide issued by Branch 76 of the Regional Trial Court in Quezon City.

The warrant stemmed from her alleged involvement in a killing in Bobon, Northern Samar, on 15 July 2002.

Authorities learned in 2021 that the suspect had evaded arrest and left the country, prompting coordination with the Philippine Center on Transnational Crime and INTERPOL for the issuance of a Red Notice.

After nearly nine years in hiding, the suspect was tracked down and intercepted by INTERPOL operatives in Rome, Italy, which facilitated her repatriation to the Philippines and subsequent arrest upon arrival.

The accused is currently under the custody of the QCPD’s Criminal Investigation and Detection Unit for documentation.

Silvio commended the joint operatives for the successful capture.

“The arrest of this high-profile fugitive proves that no criminal, no matter how elusive, can escape the long arm of the law,” he said. “QCPD also commends the tireless efforts of all our operating units and our partner agencies for their invaluable support in making this arrest possible.”