PNP tired of fugitives flying the coop
The Philippine National Police (PNP) said on Friday that it has intensified intelligence and monitoring operations against criminal networks suspected of using fraudulent citizenship documents and exploiting coastal routes to help fugitives evade arrest.
The crackdown comes as authorities pursue several high-profile fugitives, including former Ako Bicol Partylist Representative Zaldy Co, businessman Charlie “Atong” Ang and Sen. Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa, whose whereabouts and cases have drawn scrutiny over the government’s ability to track wanted individuals and prevent their escape.
Co faces graft and malversation charges linked to alleged irregularities in flood-control projects. The former lawmaker, who has remained abroad, was reported in April to be in the custody of Czech authorities after crossing into the Czech Republic without proper documentation.
Philippine officials have since pursued legal and diplomatic efforts to secure his return.
Ang, meanwhile, faces kidnapping with homicide charges in connection with the disappearance of cockfighting enthusiasts, or sabungeros, between 2021 and 2022.
Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla said Ang had left the country through a backdoor route, reportedly reaching Cambodia. The PNP is investigating how he allegedly managed to evade authorities.
Dela Rosa, a former PNP chief, is the subject of an International Criminal Court arrest warrant over alleged crimes against humanity of murder linked to the drug war under former President Rodrigo Duterte.
Surrender or…
PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio C. Nartatez has given the senator one week to surrender (see related story) but has not specified what action authorities would take if he fails to turn himself in.
The ICC warrant alleges responsibility for killings during the drug war; the allegations have yet to be resolved at trial.
Nartatez Jr. said Friday that authorities would investigate credible reports of falsified identity records used to conceal identities, move assets and facilitate criminal activities.
He also ordered intensified intelligence operations in coastal communities and at maritime exit points that fugitives and transnational criminal groups may use to escape the country.
“We will act decisively on credible reports of these activities because protecting the integrity of Filipino identity is vital to maintaining peace and order and preventing criminal groups from exploiting our systems,” Nartatez said