IPIL, Zamboanga Sibugay — Police authorities arrested an Indian national in Veterans Village, Ipil, Zamboanga Sibugay, on August 24, 2026, after serving a warrant of arrest in connection with three counts of alleged violation of Republic Act No. 9262, or the Anti-Violence Against Women and Their Children Act of 2004.
The arrest was carried out by Philippine National Police (PNP) personnel in coordination with concerned intelligence and investigation units as part of continuing law enforcement efforts involving foreign nationals facing criminal cases in the country.
Authorities said the suspect was arrested by virtue of a valid warrant issued in connection with the three alleged violations of RA 9262. The specific circumstances underlying the cases were not disclosed in the police information.
Following his arrest, the Indian national was placed under police custody and is expected to undergo the appropriate legal proceedings before the proper court.
The operation was conducted through coordination among local police units and PNP intelligence and investigation personnel, underscoring the role of inter-agency cooperation in locating and apprehending individuals with pending criminal cases.
The PNP stressed that the enforcement of Philippine laws applies regardless of a person’s nationality, while emphasizing that arrests must be carried out on the basis of lawful authority and established procedures.
PNP Chief Police General Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr. said law enforcement operations involving foreign nationals must remain anchored on both accountability and due process.
“Foreign nationals who are in the country are expected to follow our laws, just as we do. Kapag may legal basis for an arrest, we will act accordingly, but we will also make sure that the process is properly observed and their rights are respected,” Nartatez said.
The arrest in Ipil was one of two separate operations involving Indian nationals conducted by police authorities in coordination with the Bureau of Immigration and other concerned units on August 24.
While another Indian national was separately arrested in Baguio City over alleged immigration violations, the Zamboanga Sibugay operation involved a criminal case under RA 9262, making the arrest subject to the judicial process.
The PNP said such operations are consistent with its Focused Agenda, particularly Enhanced Managing Police Operations, which calls for timely police action, effective coordination among law enforcement agencies, and disciplined implementation of police operations.
Authorities reiterated that the arrested individual remains entitled to all rights and protections guaranteed under Philippine law as the case proceeds through the proper legal channels.