PNP tightens Tawi-Tawi security vs ‘backdoor exit’ fugitives

Police are tightening security in Tawi-Tawi to prevent high-profile fugitives from fleeing through so-called “backdoor exits.”

Philippine National Police chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. on Thursday said he ordered provincial police to boost their presence in areas allegedly being used as escape routes.

"I have instructed the provincial police in Tawi-Tawi to heighten police presence in the areas being used by suspects who want to escape and leave the country," he said in a statement.

"This is a strategic measure to secure our borders and deny fugitives and all law offenders the opportunity to escape justice and accountability."

Nartatez said the PNP, in coordination with other agencies, has identified these routes and will deploy additional personnel and resources.

He added that intelligence efforts have been strengthened in line with the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla to enhance interagency coordination and secure critical entry and exit points.

Bureau of Immigration Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado earlier said monitoring Tawi-Tawi is challenging due to its proximity to Malaysia. The province has reportedly been used as a route by individuals evading justice.

Among those alleged to have used backdoor exits are former Bamban, Tarlac mayor Alice Guo and former Negros Oriental representative Arnolfo Teves Jr. Authorities also said businessman Atong Ang, who has been linked to the missing sabungeros case, may have used the route if he is no longer in the country.

"We will continue working with other law enforcement offices, particularly the Bureau of Immigration and the Armed Forces of the Philippines, to prevent the escape of individuals using these backdoor exits," Nartatez said.