The Philippine National Police arrested eight most wanted persons and seized about ₱8.8 million worth of illegal drugs in a series of operations conducted from late New Year’s Day to early Jan. 2, 2026, police said.
The nationwide operations ran from 10 p.m. on Jan. 1 until 9 a.m. on Jan. 2, despite the recent New Year celebrations. Police said the actions were carried out under the PNP’s Focus Agenda on Enhanced Managing Police Operations, or EMPO, in line with the administration’s public safety goals.
Among those arrested were suspects listed as Top 2, Top 3, Top 4, Top 6, Top 9 and Top 10 most wanted individuals. Authorities said the suspects were allegedly involved in serious crimes, including murder, syndicated estafa, statutory rape and other heinous offenses. Arrests were made in Central Luzon, Calabarzon, Bicol, Western Visayas, the National Capital Region and other key areas.
In anti-drug operations, police in Kalinga destroyed about 7,000 fully grown marijuana plants with an estimated value of ₱1.4 million. In a separate joint buy-bust operation in Cebu City, officers arrested a high-value individual and seized 1,030 grams of suspected shabu worth about ₱7.4 million.
Acting PNP chief Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said the operations sent a clear message to criminals that police vigilance continues even during holidays.
“We are starting 2026 with firm and focused police action,” Nartatez said, adding that public safety “does not take a break.”
