By Dean Aubrey Caratiquet
As part of a broader proactive approach in running after those in conflict with the law, the DILG ordered the PNP to fully mobilize its 225,000-strong force in the manhunt for high-profile fugitives.
In a press conference, Interior and Local Government Secretary Juanito Victor “Jonvic” Remulla expressed his frustration at what he described as a ‘cat-and-mouse’ chase between these wanted individuals and Philippine authorities.
He likewise reiterated President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s earlier directive to concerned government agencies to exhaust all efforts to bring these suspects to justice.
However, the DILG chief also acknowledged the challenges faced by police officers in their quest to uphold the rule of law and put these four fugitives behind bars.
Secretary Remulla said, “Number 1, there are 7,000+ islands. Number 2, the porous border down south. Number 3, yung taong hinahanap namin, maraming pera yan, maraming paraan.”
The roster of wanted individuals is as follows:
- Former Bureau of Corrections chief Gerald Bantag (killing of journalist Percy Lapid)
- Entrepreneur Charlie “Atong” Ang (the case of missing sabungeros [cockfighting aficionados])
- Former police officer Rafael Dumlao III (2016 kidnapping and killing of South Korean entrepreneur Jee Ick Joo)
- Former Ako Bicol Partylist Representative Elizaldy “Zaldy” Co (‘ghost’ and anomalous flood control projects)
Meanwhile, the International Criminal Police Organization (Interpol) has already issued a Red Notice against Bantag, Ang, and Dumlao. As of press time, the global policing body is still processing the request to issue a similar notice against Co. (with report from Ryan Lesigues | PTV News)
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