CITY OF SAN FERNANDO, Pampanga – At least 20 wanted persons were arrested in Central Luzon during the observance of All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day.
In his report on Friday, Brig. Gen. Jose Hidalgo Jr., regional director of the Police Regional Office-Central Luzon (PRO-3), said the 20 individuals, two of whom were considered “most wanted”, were nabbed while attempting to return to their homes to visit their departed loved ones.
He said the two-day operations also led to the arrest of a 43-year-old tricycle driver from Angat, Bulacan, who is a top 2 regional level most wanted person and is wanted for the crime of murder with no bail recommended; and a 20-year-old resident of Baliwag City, who is listed as top 5 provincial level most wanted person and top 1 city level most wanted person for two counts of rape with no bail recommended.
Hidalgo said other wanted persons arrested have pending charges such as robbery and violations related to illegal drugs.
“While the PRO-3’s primary focus during Nov. 1 and 2 was to ensure the safety and security of the public in all cemeteries, our police personnel also seized the opportunity to track down wanted individuals who were expected to visit the graves of their loved ones,” he said.
He called on the public to continuously support law enforcement efforts against wanted individuals.
He also urged the families of wanted persons who are still at large to cooperate by either surrendering them to the authorities or directing them to the nearest police station.
Meanwhile, Hidalgo also reported that this year’s observance of All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day in the region was generally peaceful with no major incidents reported.
“This is the result of the advanced preparations laid out by all police units of PRO-3 to ensure the safety of motorists, commuters, and the public,” he said. (PNA)
