PNP arrests most wanted Korean rape suspect at NAIA

The Philippine National Police arrested a Korean national listed as a most wanted suspect in a rape case at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport late Friday night, authorities said.

PNP Acting Chief Police Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr. said operatives of NAIA Police Station 1, in coordination with the Manila Police District’s Women and Children Concern Section, served a warrant of arrest at 11:46 p.m. on January 23, 2026, at the NAIA Police Station 1, Terminal 1, in Pasay City.

The warrant stemmed from a rape case under Criminal Case No. R-MNL-26-00099-CR, with no bail recommended. The suspect, a Korean national, was immediately placed under the custody of the MPD-WCCS.

The arrest underscores the PNP’s continued enforcement of the law, particularly in cases involving serious crimes, and highlights heightened police monitoring in strategic locations such as international airports to prevent suspects from evading justice.

The apprehension is aligned with the PNP’s Focused Agenda, particularly its priority on enhanced management of police operations, ensuring the prompt and responsible execution of lawful court orders.

“This arrest demonstrates that the PNP respects and enforces the authority of the courts at all times. Walang sinuman ang maaaring umiwas sa pananagutan,” Nartatez said.

He reiterated the police force’s duty to protect the public, adding, “Our responsibility is to ensure that justice is pursued and that victims are given the protection they deserve. Patuloy naming gagampanan ang aming tungkulin para sa kaligtasan ng mamamayan.”

Nartatez also noted that during a 24-hour nationwide crackdown from January 22 to January 23, the PNP arrested nine of the country’s most wanted individuals, seized illegal drugs worth more than P14 million, and intercepted smuggled cigarettes valued at over P7 million.