The Police Regional Office (PRO) in Zamboanga Peninsula has kicked off 2026 with a significant crackdown on crime, announcing the successful capture of 15 fugitives across the region in just the first week of the year.
Focused Manhunt Yields Results
Police Brigadier General Edwin Quilates, the regional director of PRO-Zamboanga Peninsula, disclosed the operational gains on Wednesday, January 7, 2026. He stated that a coordinated effort was launched at the start of the year, mobilizing police units from the regional level down to provincial, city, and municipal stations.
The directive was clear: execute a focused campaign to locate and apprehend individuals with standing warrants. The operations led to the arrest of 15 fugitives since January 1. From this total, five were classified as most wanted persons, with the other ten categorized as other wanted persons.
Strategy Behind the Success
General Quilates credited the successful arrests to a multi-pronged strategy. He highlighted the importance of sustained police visibility in communities, which acts as both a deterrent and an intelligence-gathering tool.
Furthermore, he emphasized that strengthened coordination among the various operating units was crucial. This seamless collaboration allowed for efficient sharing of information and resources across different jurisdictions within the Zamboanga Peninsula. The intensified and timely service of court-issued warrants completed the effective triad of their approach.
Commitment to Public Safety Reinforced
These early accomplishments are more than just statistics for the regional police force. Brigadier General Quilates stated that they reflect PRO-Zamboanga Peninsula's firm commitment to denying safe haven to criminals and reinforcing public safety as the new year begins.
The intensified arrest operations are not a one-off event but part of a continuing drive to uphold the rule of law and maintain peace and order throughout the region. The message from the authorities is unequivocal: the campaign against wanted individuals is ongoing and relentless.
