Palace: ‘Mahuhuli ang mga nagtatago sa kamay ng batas’

Amid the continuing flood control controversy and other high-profile corruption cases, several individuals accused of wrongdoing remain at large, with authorities saying many are hiding either abroad or within the Philippines to evade arrest.

So far, no suspect has been arrested or returned to the country. However, Presidential Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro said President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. remains optimistic that those in hiding will eventually be tracked down and made to face Philippine courts.

“Optimistic ang Pangulo na mahuhuli at madadala sa kamay ng batas ng Pilipinas ang mga nagtatago,” Castro said during a press briefing on Thursday, adding that the President has directed concerned agencies to intensify coordination efforts.

(“The President is optimistic that those in hiding will be caught and brought to the hands of the Philippine law.”)

Castro also addressed reports regarding businessman Elizaldy Co, noting that newly surfaced documents indicate he may be in Sweden, contrary to earlier claims that he was in Portugal. She said authorities are now closely coordinating with the Department of the Interior and Local Government and other agencies to verify the authenticity of the documents and Co’s exact location.

As for other fugitives linked to separate cases, Castro said they have yet to be located. The most recent update involves businessman Charlie “Atong” Ang, who authorities believe may be in Cambodia. Philippine law enforcement has reportedly dispatched personnel to verify the information and pursue possible next steps for his apprehension.