PNP seeks to zero out 300,000 remaining wanted persons

MANILA — The Philippine National Police (PNP) is aiming to bring down to zero the number of wanted persons in its database, with police operations against fugitives to be intensified nationwide.

PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. has directed all regional police directors to step up the implementation of arrest warrants, as the organization continues to track down around 300,000 remaining wanted persons.

The figure is down by approximately 200,000 from the 500,000 wanted persons recorded in the PNP database when Nartatez assumed leadership on August 26, 2025.

The PNP said it has averaged more than 14,000 successful arrests per month over the past 14 months.

“Every arrest brings us closer to ensuring that no warrant is neglected and that everyone is made accountable before the law,” Nartatez said in a statement.

Last month alone, police arrested 8,839 wanted persons nationwide.

Of these, 2,353 were classified as most wanted persons, while 6,486 were other wanted persons.

Among the high-profile personalities still being pursued by authorities are former Congressman Zaldy Co, businessman Atong Ang, former Bureau of Corrections chief Gerald Bantag, suspects in the flood control corruption cases, and Senator Ronald Dela Rosa

Nartatez stressed that the campaign covers all individuals with standing arrest warrants, regardless of their status or position.

The PNP chief expressed confidence that authorities would eventually bring the remaining fugitives before the courts, citing the recent arrest of former police official Rafael Dumlao, who had been hiding for years.

“We will not be satisfied with reducing the backlog since our ultimate objective is to bring it down to zero,” he said.