Philippines – Two Filipino women wanted for a string of criminal cases were arrested at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 1 on September 5, 2026, shortly after arriving from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
According to a press release from the PNP Aviation Security Group (AVSEGROUP-PR-202609-0195), the arrest came together through close coordination among several law enforcement and government units. The women were subjects of outstanding warrants and were flagged for interception before they even stepped off their flight.
How the Arrest Unfolded
The operation began when the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group–Anti-Transnational Crimes Unit (CIDG-ATCU) alerted NAIA Police Station 1 (NPS 1) about the two incoming passengers. NPS 1 then worked with the Bureau of Immigration and the airline to track and intercept the pair.
Officers stopped both women at the Arrival Area. After immigration processing, they were escorted to NPS 1, where authorities carried out the warrants together. Personnel used an Alternative Recording Device during the arrest to document the process.
Several agencies took part in the joint operation:
- PNP Aviation Security Group (AVSEGROUP)
- CIDG-ATCU
- NAIA Police Station 1 (NPS 1)
- Bureau of Immigration
- Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC)
- Philippine Center on Transnational Crime / INTERPOL National Central Bureau (PCTC/INTERPOL NCB)
The Charges They Face
The two women were named in multiple warrants tied to financial and investment-related offenses. The cases include:
- Estafa and Syndicated Estafa
- Violations of the Securities Regulation Code
- Violations of Batas Pambansa Blg. 22 (bouncing checks law)
- Related offenses
Bail amounts varied across the cases. Notably, several charges filed in Batangas City carried no bail, signaling how serious the courts consider those particular offenses.
Neither of the accused could produce valid release orders when asked. Officers informed them of the charges and read them their constitutional rights before turning them over to CIDG-ATCU for documentation and further legal steps.
A Reminder for Filipinos Abroad
For the many Filipinos working and living overseas, cases like this hit close to home. Investment scams and syndicated fraud often target hardworking OFWs and their families back home, making vigilance more important than ever.
PBGEN Dionisio B. Bartolome Jr., Director of the PNP AVSEGROUP, praised the teamwork behind the arrest.
“This successful coordination demonstrates our collective resolve to ensure that wanted persons are held accountable under the law,” he said.
Authorities say the two accused now face proper legal proceedings.