Police arrested the man listed as Negros Island Region’s No. 1 most-wanted person in Santa Catalina, Negros Oriental on Tuesday, October 6, 2026, in a joint intelligence-driven operation involving multiple law enforcement units, the Philippine National Police said.
The suspect, known only by his alias “Jov,” 37, is a resident of Barangay Talalak, Santa Catalina. He was taken into custody on warrants for murder under Article 248 of the Revised Penal Code, with no bail recommended, according to the PNP Public Information Office.
Alleged Links to Communist Armed Group
The PNP identified the suspect as a member of what the government designates as a Communist Terrorist Group (CTG). Authorities said he is affiliated with the Rachelle Mae Palang Command (RMPC), the Southeast Front (SEF), and Komiteng Rehiyon Negros, Cebu, Bohol, Siquijor–D (KRNCBS-D).
Despite his designation as the region’s top most-wanted individual, police noted that he does not appear on the PNP’s Periodic Status Report list, which the agency uses to track and monitor active rebel members.
Six Units Involved in the Takedown
According to the PNP, the arrest was the result of sustained intelligence work coordinated across several units. The following agencies participated in the operation:
- Police Intelligence Unit, Negros Oriental Police Provincial Office
- Provincial Drug Enforcement Unit, Negros Oriental Police Provincial Office
- 23rd Special Action Company, PNP Special Action Force’s 2nd Special Action Battalion
- Negros Oriental Provincial Intelligence Team
- Regional Intelligence Unit–Negros Island Region
- Santa Catalina Municipal Police Station
Following his arrest, the suspect was brought to the Santa Catalina Municipal Police Station for processing and documentation before being turned over to the court that issued the warrants.
PNP Chief Cites Accountability and Due Process
PNP chief Police General Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said the arrest demonstrated the police force’s commitment to locating fugitives and bringing them before the courts.
“The PNP will keep carrying out its mandate through lawful and accountable operations,” Nartatez said, according to the PNP Public Information Office.
Speaking in Filipino, Nartatez added that the PNP would intensify operations against wanted persons — particularly those facing serious charges — while ensuring enforcement is carried out with accountability and respect for due process.
Operation Tied to PNP’s ‘Focused Agenda’ Framework
The PNP said the operation is part of its broader campaign against wanted persons and falls under its “Focused Agenda,” an institutional framework designed to make police service more responsive and accountable to the public.
The police statement did not disclose the identity of the murder victim, the date or circumstances of the killing, or the specific court that issued the warrants.
Presumption of Innocence
As of publication, no public statement had been issued by the suspect or his representatives. Under Philippine law, the suspect is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
By the Numbers
- No. 1 — The suspect’s ranking on the Negros Island Region’s most-wanted list
- 37 — Age of the arrested suspect
- Article 248 — The provision of the Revised Penal Code under which the murder warrants were issued
- 6 — Number of law enforcement units that participated in the joint operation
- 0 — Recommended bail amount (no bail recommended)
Why This Matters
The arrest of Negros Island Region’s top most-wanted individual marks a significant outcome for regional law enforcement, removing a murder suspect with alleged ties to a communist armed network from the community. The operation also signals the PNP’s capacity to conduct coordinated, multi-unit intelligence operations against high-value targets in the region. As the case moves to court, the legal process will determine the suspect’s culpability under the charges filed against him.
With a report from the PNP Public Information Office. Written by Kenneth.
Photo credit: Photo courtesy of the Philippine National Police / PNP Public Information Office
