Police arrested Region 2's top two most wanted fugitives in separate manhunt operations in Cauayan City, Isabela, over the killing of a fellow barangay resident, the Police Regional Office 2 (PRO 2) said.

The first suspect, identified only by the alias "Fredo," 43, a security guard from Cauayan City and the region's No. 2 Most Wanted Person, was arrested on 25 July.

Three days later, on 28 July, authorities arrested the second suspect, alias "Joba," 47, a painter and also a resident of Cauayan City. He was listed as Region 2's No. 1 Most Wanted Person.

Both arrests were carried out by personnel of the Cauayan Component City Police Station, with support from other Philippine National Police units, through separate operations serving warrants of arrest issued by the Regional Trial Court in Cauayan City on 29 May 2026, for murder.

Police said the case stemmed from an incident on 25 December 2025, when the victim, identified only by the alias "Rodolf," was drinking with the two suspects. During the gathering, an old dispute involving one of the suspects and the victim's father allegedly resurfaced.

Investigators said the victim later fell asleep, after which the two suspects allegedly strangled him to death before fleeing. They remained in hiding until their separate arrests.

The suspects are now under police custody pending documentation and court proceedings.

PRO 2 Regional Director Brig. Gen. Mariano C. Rodriguez commended the operating units for the successful operations, saying the arrests reflect the police's sustained campaign against wanted persons.

He said the operations send a clear message that fugitives cannot evade justice indefinitely and reaffirm the Philippine National Police's commitment to holding offenders accountable and securing justice for victims.