Camp Olivas, City of San Fernando, Pampanga – In a decisive crackdown on fugitives, the Police Regional Office 3 (PRO3) successfully captured three of the most wanted individuals in Nueva Ecija during a series of intensified manhunt operations on February 17, 2025. These high-impact arrests underscore PRO3’s relentless pursuit of justice and unwavering commitment to public safety.
The first operation unfolded when operatives from the Cabanatuan City Police Station apprehended Elmer Hernandez y Mendoza, ranked No. 8 on Nueva Ecija’s Most Wanted List. The 44-year-old resident of Brgy. DS Garcia, Cabanatuan City, was arrested on the strength of a warrant for violating R.A. 9165 (Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002) under Criminal Case No. 29602-25, issued by Hon. Elenita N. Evangelista-Casipit of RTC Branch 36, Gapan City. With no bail recommended, Hernandez remains in custody at the Cabanatuan City Police Station Male Custodial Facility, awaiting legal proceedings.
Followede by a well-coordinated operation by Guimba Municipal Police Station (MPS), the 303rd Maneuver Company of RMFB3, and the Provincial Intelligence Unit of NEPPO led to the arrest of Jerick y Pagaling Zaragosa, PRO3’s No. 1 Regional Most Wanted Person. The 20-year-old fugitive was wanted for Murder under Criminal Case No. 6430-G, with a no-bail warrant issued by Hon. Rosita L. Dela Fuente-Torres, Presiding Judge of RTC Branch 31, Guimba, Nueva Ecija. He is now detained at Guimba MPS Male Custodial Facility.
And the same operatives captured Jade Adrian y Follero Ventura, alias Jade Follero Ventura, ranked No. 2 Regional Most Wanted Person of PRO3. The 19-year-old, also facing a Murder charge under Criminal Case No. 6430-G with a no-bail warrant issued by Hon. Rosita L. Dela Fuente-Torres, was apprehended in Brgy. Nagpandayan, Guimba, Nueva Ecija. He is now under police custody at Guimba MPS.
PBGEN Jean Fajardo, Regional Director of PRO3, lauded the successful operations and reaffirmed PRO3’s unyielding stance against criminality.
“These arrests make one thing clear: fugitives have nowhere to hide in Central Luzon. PRO3 will relentlessly track down and apprehend criminals, ensuring they face the full force of the law. As we intensify security measures ahead of the upcoming elections, our police force will sustain intelligence-driven operations and proactive law enforcement to keep our communities safe and secure,” PBGEN Fajardo stated.
She also urged the public to remain vigilant and cooperate with law enforcement by reporting any information on wanted persons, emphasizing that community involvement is vital in the fight against crime.
