APRIL 3, 2026 — The CIDG’s March crackdown netted 172 fugitives accused of sexual abuse-related crimes across Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao — an unprecedented sweep coinciding with National Women’s Month. This bold move highlights both the scale of abuse cases in the Philippines and the urgent demand for justice.

March wasn’t just about flowers and speeches for women’s empowerment — it was about handcuffs, too. The Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) arrested 172 fugitives facing charges from acts of lasciviousness to rape and online sexual exploitation. Of these, 75 were caught in Luzon, 26 in Visayas, and 71 in Mindanao. The sweep also included 53 Regional Most Wanted and 68 Provincial Most Wanted suspects, with 72 facing non-bailable offenses.

CIDG Director Maj. Gen. Robert Alexander Morico II said, “These arrests prevent these ‘predators’ from roaming freely to further victimize, and significantly helped the 172 victims and their families attain the justice they deserve.”

But while the arrests are undeniably a win, they also expose the sheer volume of sexual abuse cases haunting our communities. One hundred seventy-two fugitives in a single month — now that’s not just a statistic. That’s a mirror reflecting how deep the problem runs.

Yes, it’s commendable that the PNP and CIDG flexed their muscle during National Women’s Month. But should justice be seasonal? Why does it take a themed campaign for authorities to move this aggressively?

These arrests bring relief and a sense of accountability. Families of victims can breathe a little easier knowing predators are behind bars. But the larger question remains: How do we prevent these crimes before they happen? 

Arrests are reactive. Protection must be proactive.

This crackdown should spark discourse on strengthening laws, improving community vigilance, and ensuring survivors are not silenced by stigma. Because if 172 fugitives can be rounded up in one month, how many more are still out there?

(Image: DILG Philippines | Facebook)