PRO3 arrests three high-profile fugitives in Central Luzon operations

CAMP OLIVAS, Pampanga — The Police Regional Office 3 (PRO3) arrested three high-profile fugitives in separate, tech-driven operations across Central Luzon this week, intensifying its crackdown on most-wanted criminals ahead of the holidays.

At around 10:30 a.m. on 2 December in Barangay Rabanes, San Marcelino, Zambales, joint operatives from the Regional Special Operations Group (RSOG3), Cyber Patrol Team, and local police units arrested “Khatie,” 30, ranked as the region’s Top 4 Most Wanted Person. The suspect, wanted for multiple warrants of arrest for carnapping and large-scale estafa, was traced through digital footprints linked to fraudulent transactions.

Hours later in San Jose City, Nueva Ecija, a separate task force stormed a residential compound to arrest “Gelo,” the city’s Top 2 Most Wanted Person, wanted under a no-bail rape charge issued by Regional Trial Court Branch 38. The fugitive had evaded capture for months. The operation involved tactical units from the Provincial Special Operations Group and mobile force companies, who sealed off escape routes before apprehending the suspect.

In Bulacan, police arrested “Alyas Badjay,” 26, the region’s Top 5 Most Wanted Person, during a December 1 operation in Barangay Saluysoy, Meycauayan City. The suspect faced a no-bail statutory rape charge (Criminal Case No. 6670-M-2025) under a warrant issued by Malolos RTC Branch 79.

PRO3 Director Brig. Gen. Ponce Rogelio I. Peñones Jr. said the arrests reflect a sustained and strategic effort to prevent criminals from disrupting communities.

“These are separate successes, but part of the same mission: denying criminals the chance to disrupt our communities. Hindi po ito tapos—marami pa tayong hahabulin,” he said, citing PRO3’s alignment with the PNP’s 3Ps Strategic Direction: Peace and Order, Public Safety, and Police Transformation.

With all three suspects now in custody, PRO3 vowed to intensify operations targeting remaining high-profile fugitives. The regional command confirmed plans to expand cyber-monitoring tools and rapid-response protocols to ensure that fugitives have no sanctuary in Central Luzon.