10/22/2026
KOREAN WATCH-LIST SUBJECT INTERCEPTED, AUSTRALIAN ARRESTED IN SEPARATE PNP ACTIONS
Under the leadership of Police General Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr., Chief, Philippine National Police (PNP), police personnel swiftly acted on two separate incidents in Pampanga and Manila, resulting in the interception of a Korean national subject to an existing arrest warrant and the arrest of an Australian national following a disturbance at a barangay hall.
On October 20, personnel of the Bureau of Immigration and the Clark International Airport Police Station (CIAPS), Aviation Security Enforcement Unit 3, intercepted a Korean national in Clark Freeport Zone, Mabalacat City, Pampanga, after verification showed that he was included in the Bureau of Immigration Watch List.
The interception was carried out pursuant to a Warrant of Arrest issued in connection with an estafa case, with bail recommended at ₱30,000.00. He was subsequently placed under the custody of the concerned police unit for proper disposition.
The timely action highlights the importance of coordination between immigration and police authorities in identifying persons subject to existing legal processes and ensuring their proper referral to the appropriate authorities.
In a separate incident in Manila, police officers from Dagonoy Police Community Precinct of Police Station 6, Manila Police District, responded to a reported disturbance at a barangay hall in Barangay 767, Sta. Ana, on October 19.
Initial investigation showed that Australian national allegedly went to the barangay hall and challenged barangay personnel to a fistfight while shouting and uttering insulting words. When responding police officers arrived, he allegedly continued the disturbance and challenged them to a fight, prompting the officers to intervene and arrest him.
He was brought to Police Station 6 for proper disposition in connection with the reported violations of Articles 151 and 155 of the Revised Penal Code.
Chief PNP PGen Nartatez emphasized that police effectiveness is measured not only by how quickly officers respond, but also by how professionally they handle situations once they are on the ground.
“Kapag nasa Pilipinas ka, foreign national man o Filipino, we all have to respect and follow our laws. If police assistance is needed, we will respond and do what is necessary—but we will always remain fair, professional, and respectful. Ang mahalaga, maayos ang sitwasyon at nasusunod ang tamang proseso,” PGen Nartatez said.
He stressed that police intervention should help bring situations under control without unnecessarily adding tension.
The two incidents were handled through coordination among police units, the Bureau of Immigration, airport authorities, and local government personnel, reflecting the PNP's continuing emphasis on timely information-sharing and appropriate police intervention.
The operations are consistent with the PNP Focused Agenda, particularly Enhanced Managing Police Operations, which calls for responsive, coordinated, and lawful police action based on the circumstances of each case. These efforts likewise support the administration's continuing public safety objectives under President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.
By responding promptly while keeping interventions measured, lawful, and respectful of the rights of all concerned, the PNP continues to strengthen public trust and advance its commitment to a Bagong PNP para sa Bagong Pilipinas: Serbisyong Mabilis, Tapat at Nararamdaman.
(PNP-PIO)