Pampanga: The National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) operatives have arrested a former police officer wanted for murder and an active cop listed as a high-value individual in two separate operations in Pampanga and Pasay. The NCRPO operatives under the Southern Police District (SPD) arrested Nico Cruz Garcia, a former police officer, in Montana View in Barangay Panipuan, San Fernando, Pampanga at around 10:15 a.m. on Wednesday.
According to Philippines News Agency, NCRPO chief Brig. Gen. Anthony Aberin stated that the 49-year-old suspect was arrested under a warrant of arrest issued by Makati City Regional Trial Court Branch 142 presiding judge Dina Pesta±o Teves on November 15, 2006. Aberin commented on the arrest, noting that after decades of evasion, this most wanted individual will now face trial. Garcia will be handed over to judicial authorities following the completion of all necessary legal documentation processes.
SPD Director Brig. Gen. Manuel Abrugena emphasized that Garcia's arrest demonstrates the strong commitment of law enforcement in ensuring that fugitives are held accountable, regardless of how long they have evaded justice. Abrugena also highlighted the importance of public cooperation in capturing wanted individuals.
In a related operation, the NCRPO also apprehended Cpl. Michael Mones, 37, assigned at Angeles Police Station under Police Regional Office (PRO) 3 (Central Luzon), during a buy-bust operation along Roxas Boulevard, Brgy. 76, Pasay City on Wednesday. Items seized from Mones included 35 grams of suspected shabu valued at PHP238,000, buy-bust money, a cellular phone, a short firearm with ammunition, a weighing scale, handcuffs, and government identification cards. Mones is facing charges for violating Article II, Sections 5, 11, and 26 of Republic Act 9165, known as the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, and is currently under the custody of the Pasay City Police.
