CAMP OLIVAS, Pampanga — In a significant breakthrough in law enforcement efforts, a composite tracker team successfully apprehended Gerome Santiago y Tantay, the No. 3 Provincial Most Wanted Person in Pampanga, for robbery with homicide.
At approximately 12:40 p.m. on Wednesday (Feb. 19), a coordinated police operation led by operatives from the Provincial Intelligence Unit (PIU) Pampanga, SWAT, IG National, PIT3/RIU, Candaba MPS, San Fernando CPS, and the 1st PMFC culminated in the arrest of Santiago in Bulaon Resettlement, Barangay Bulaon, City of San Fernando, Pampanga.
Santiago, a resident of Barangay Lourdes, Candaba, Pampanga, had been evading authorities since his involvement in a robbery-homicide incident on April 28, 2024, in Candaba, Pampanga, which resulted in the tragic death of Lavina Gulapa.
His arrest was executed pursuant to an Alias Warrant of Arrest issued by Hon. Rowena H. Rama-Chaves, Presiding Judge of the Regional Trial Court, Branch 47, City of San Fernando, Pampanga, under Criminal Case No. 35695 for Violation of Article 214 (Paragraph 1) of the Revised Penal Code, classified as a Special Complex Crime of Robbery with Homicide, with no bail recommended.
PRO3 Regional Director Brig. Gen. Jean S. Fajardo lauded the successful operation, emphasizing the commitment of law enforcement in bringing criminals to justice:
“The arrest of Gerome Santiago, one of Pampanga’s most wanted fugitives, underscores PRO3’s relentless pursuit of justice and public safety. This operation is a testament to the expertise, dedication, and intelligence-driven policing. Let this serve as a stern warning to those attempting to evade justice—we will find you. We urge the public to remain vigilant and continue supporting our efforts to maintain peace and security across Central Luzon.”
Santiago is now under police custody, awaiting further legal proceedings. (UnliNews Online)
