By Jason De Asis

CAPTURED. The mugshot of Jerick Pagaling Zaragosa, Nueva Ecija’s most wanted criminal, following his arrest in Guimba town on Monday (Feb. 17, 2025). Two other most wanted individuals were also apprehended in separate operations on the same day. (Photo courtesy of PRO-3)

CAMP OLIVAS, Pampanga – Police arrested three of Nueva Ecija’s most wanted criminals in a series of operations on Monday, the Police Regional Office 3 (PRO-3) reported Tuesday.

In a statement, PRO-3 said the arrests, carried out on Monday, underscore its commitment to tracking down fugitives and maintaining public safety across Central Luzon.

The first to be captured was Elmer Hernandez, 44, ranked eighth on Nueva Ecija’s wanted list. He was apprehended by Cabanatuan City Police operatives at 10:15 a.m. in Barangay DS Garcia.

Hernandez is wanted for a drug case by the Gapan City Regional Trial Court Branch 36, with no bail recommended.

Fifteen minutes later, at 10:30 a.m., a joint operation by the Guimba Municipal Police Station (MPS) and other law enforcement agencies led to the capture of Jerick Zaragosa, 20, the province’s top wanted individual.

Zaragosa, wanted for murder, was arrested under a warrant issued by RTC Branch 31 in Guimba, also with no bail recommended. He is currently detained at the Guimba MPS custodial facility.

At 1 p.m., police apprehended Jade Ventura, 19, the second most wanted person in the region, also for murder charges.

Ventura was captured in Barangay Nagpandayan, Guimba, and is now in police custody.

PRO-3 Director Brig. Gen. Jean Fajardo lauded the successful operations, reaffirming the police’s commitment to ensuring fugitives face justice.

“These arrests send a clear message—there is no hiding place for fugitives in Central Luzon. We will continue to track down and apprehend criminals to uphold the rule of law,” Fajardo said. (PNA)