Riri Jing

PNP MOBILIZES 3,337 PERSONNEL AS HABAGAT BATTERS COMMUNITIES

With thousands of families seeking safer ground amid the enhanced Southwest Monsoon or Habagat, the Philippine National Police (PNP) has stepped up its nationwide deployment to help protect communities, support emergency operations, and keep critical areas secure.

As of 6:00 a.m. today, 3,337 police personnel have been deployed across affected areas, including 860 at evacuation centers, 166 for search, rescue and recovery operations, 216 for road clearing and monitoring, and 1,859 to secure vital installations. Another 35 personnel are stationed in vacated areas, while 11,402 personnel under the Reactionary Standby Support Force (RSSF) remain ready for augmentation as the situation develops.

The PNP’s response comes as 517 evacuation centers remain occupied nationwide, sheltering 9,918 families or 34,956 individuals. Police units are also assisting communities affected by flooding, landslides and road disruptions while coordinating with local authorities on emerging needs.

Police personnel are likewise helping address transportation disruptions, with 151 stranded passengers recorded in the latest monitoring. Road and bridge conditions continue to be monitored, with police supporting clearing and traffic management efforts whenever conditions allow.

Chief PNP Police General Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr. said the PNP’s priority is to make sure police assistance reaches people when and where it is needed most.

“Kapag may pamilya na kailangang lumikas, may biyaherong na-stranded, o may kalsadang kailangang buksan, dapat may pulis na handang tumulong. We cannot control the weather, but we can make sure that our response is ready, coordinated, and close to the people,” PGen Nartatez said.

He directed police units to remain closely coordinated with local disaster response authorities and to continuously adjust their deployment based on conditions on the ground.

The sustained deployment reflects the PNP’s Focused Agenda, particularly Enhanced Managing Police Operations, through coordinated and responsive action during emergencies. It also supports the government’s continuing efforts under President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to strengthen disaster preparedness and protect communities during times of crisis.

As the Habagat continues to affect several areas, the PNP will maintain its presence on the ground and remain ready to assist communities, reinforcing the “Bagong PNP para sa Bagong Pilipinas: Serbisyong Mabilis, Tapat at Nararamdaman” through immediate, coordinated, and people-centered service.

(PNP-PIO)

UNIFIED 911 CALL TURNS INTO QUICK HELP AS BAGUIO POLICE RUSH TO WOMAN IN DISTRESS

A Unified 911 emergency call in Baguio City once again showed how a timely alert can quickly connect a person in distress to police assistance, as officers responded to a medical emergency despite heavy rain and strong winds on August 9.

Police Station 1 personnel of the Baguio City Police Office responded to a report involving a 22-year-old woman who was experiencing severe stomach pain and difficulty breathing in Barangay Fairview.

The responding officers reached the area, assisted the patient through a narrow pathway, and brought her to a waiting patrol vehicle for transport to the Baguio General Hospital and Medical Center.

The response demonstrated the practical value of the Unified 911 system in bringing emergency calls directly to police personnel who can provide immediate assistance on the ground. More than simply receiving a call, the system helps shorten the distance between a person asking for help and responders who can act.

“Kapag may tumawag sa 911, ang mahalaga ay may sasagot at may kikilos. Hindi natin kailangang hintayin na lumala ang sitwasyon bago tayo rumesponde,” Chief PNP Police General Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr. said. “Rain or shine, our police officers must remain ready to help. Ito ang serbisyong dapat nararamdaman ng bawat Pilipino.”

The Philippine National Police continues to strengthen Unified 911 to make police response faster, more coordinated, and responsive to community needs. The initiative supports President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s call for accessible and responsive government services and advances the PNP Focused Agenda, particularly Enhanced Managing Police Operations.

The Baguio incident underscores the PNP’s commitment to be ready where help is needed most. Through Unified 911 and police responders on the ground, the PNP advances the “Bagong PNP para sa Bagong Pilipinas: Serbisyong Mabilis, Tapat at Nararamdaman,” bringing timely assistance closer to the people when every minute counts.

(PNP-PIO)

PNP ARRESTS PASSENGER AT NAIA OVER 12-YEAR-OLD WARRANT

A long-standing warrant of arrest was enforced against a 73-year-old Filipino passenger upon his arrival at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 1 on August 9, 2026, following verification through the Bureau of Immigration (BI) system.

The passenger, who arrived from Honolulu, Hawaii, was initially flagged during routine arrival processing after the BI system showed an outstanding warrant issued in 2014. BI personnel coordinated with the NAIA Police Station 1, which subsequently facilitated the verification and turnover of the passenger to the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group for proper legal processing.

The warrant stemmed from a case involving an alleged violation of Republic Act No. 9262, or the Anti-Violence Against Women and Their Children Act of 2004. The court had set bail at ₱24,000.00.

Chief PNP Police General Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr. said the incident highlights the importance of coordination among law enforcement and government agencies in ensuring that outstanding court processes are properly acted upon.

“Kapag may lumabas na warrant, kailangan natin itong ma-verify at maipatupad nang maayos, regardless kung gaano na katagal ang kaso. What matters is that we follow the legal process and handle every person with fairness and professionalism,” PGen Nartatez said.

The arrest reflects the PNP’s continuing efforts to strengthen police operations through the Enhanced Managing Police Operations (EMPO) under the PNP Focused Agenda, with emphasis on timely information-sharing, coordination, and proper enforcement of lawful court processes. It also supports President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s call for a more responsive and accountable government that delivers services effectively.

The arrested passenger remains under the custody of the CIDG for documentation and appropriate legal action, as the PNP continues to uphold due process while carrying out its mandate under the “Bagong PNP para sa Bagong Pilipinas: Serbisyong Mabilis, Tapat, at Nararamdaman.”

(PNP-PIO)

PNP ARRESTS 58-YEAR-OLD MAN OVER ALLEGED ONLINE GROOMING OF MINOR IN CAGAYAN

A 58-year-old man was arrested by operatives of the Philippine National Police Anti-Cybercrime Group (PNP ACG) in Tuguegarao City, Cagayan, following a complaint involving alleged online grooming of a minor.

The suspect, identified only as alias “Bentong,” was apprehended during an entrapment operation conducted by the Regional Anti-Cybercrime Unit 2 (RACU 2) on August 2.

The operation was launched after the minor’s mother, alias “Linda,” sought police assistance upon discovering a series of inappropriate and sexually suggestive messages allegedly sent by the suspect to her child. Authorities said the suspect continued communicating with the minor and allegedly attempted to arrange a personal meeting despite being informed that the recipient was underage.

Chief PNP Police General Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr. said the operation underscores the importance of acting quickly when children are placed at risk online.

“Kapag bata ang involved, we cannot afford to wait and see what happens next. We have to act early, protect the child, and hold accountable those who cross the line. We also remind parents and guardians to stay involved in their children’s online activities. If something feels wrong, report it immediately. Early reporting can prevent a situation from becoming more serious,” PGen Nartatez said.

The suspect is facing charges for alleged violations of Republic Act No. 11930, or the Anti-Online Sexual Abuse or Exploitation of Children and Anti-Child Sexual Abuse or Exploitation Materials Act; Republic Act No. 9208, or the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act; and Republic Act No. 7610, or the Special Protection of Children Against Abuse, Exploitation and Discrimination Act, in relation to Republic Act No. 10175, or the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012.

The operation reflects the PNP’s continuing efforts to strengthen law enforcement in the digital space, particularly in protecting children from online exploitation. It is also aligned with the PNP Focused Agenda under Enhanced Managing Police Operations, which emphasizes timely, coordinated, and intelligence-driven police action.

Under the leadership of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., the PNP remains committed to making law enforcement responsive to emerging threats while safeguarding those who are most vulnerable. These efforts form part of the Bagong PNP para sa Bagong Pilipinas: Serbisyong Mabilis, Tapat at Nararamdaman—where police action is not only timely, but also focused on protecting people and their rights.

(PNP-PIO)