MANILA, Philippines - The Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) has activated a special task force composed of 80 policemen to conduct a more aggressive manhunt for ex-Army Gen. Jovito Palparan, former Palawan governor Joel Reyes and his brother, Coron Mayor Mario Reyes, and Dinagat Island Rep. Ruben Ecleo Jr., also known as the “Big Four.”
CIDG chief Director Samuel Pagdilao Jr. also directed all regional and provincial chiefs to ensure the arrest of other fugitives and identify those who provide refuge and financial support to them.
Pagdilao named Senior Superintendent Keith Emald Singian, CIDG deputy director for operations, to head the special task force.
Pagdilao said the arrest of Palparan, the Reyes siblings and Ecleo will be the top priority of CIDG commanders.
He said CIDG operatives in the Caraga region, on the other hand, will be in charge of the manhunt for Ecleo, who is believed to be still holed-up in Dinagat Island.
He appealed to the people who are sympathetic to or aiding Palparan, the two Reyeses and Ecleo to instead help persuade the four to surrender and prove their innocence in court.
Palparan is charged with kidnapping and illegal detention, the Reyes siblings are wanted for the murder of broadcaster Gerry Ortega, while Ecleo has been convicted of parricide.
The CIDG said concerned citizens may contact telephone numbers 02-7228993, 09277170752, 09283384482 and 09327018909 for information on the whereabouts of the four fugitives.
Pagdilao likewise warned pranksters and those who would use the CIDG hotline numbers to mislead the authorities that they “will not hesitate to track them down and make them liable for obstruction of justice.”
The CIDG will post the pictures and other details about the Big Four on its website – www.cidg.gov.ph and www.cidg-cis.com – for the benefit of CIDG volunteers and other concerned citizens who will help in the manhunt operation. - By Non Alquitran
