Press Release
August 17, 2012

LACSON TO PNP: 24/7 FOCUS ONLY FORMULA TO CAPTURING HIGH-PROFILE FUGITIVES

Only a 24/7 focus will ensure success for the Philippine National Police in capturing seven high-profile fugitives who continue to elude capture.

This was the advice of Senator and former PNP chief Panfilo M. Lacson, who on Friday said Malacañang's offer of reward money should be a challenge for them.

"My advice to the PNP is simple and practical - eat their targets for breakfast, lunch and dinner, including weekends and holidays. Then and only then I can be pretty sure they will succeed in arresting them," said Lacson, who headed the PNP from 1999 to 2001.

He also said that while chasing criminals and fugitives is the basic duty of law enforcement, the increase in reward for information leading to their capture must be a challenge for them to get their quarry.

But he also pointed out the PNP should take its cue from its commander-in-chief President Benigno Aquino III, who indicated he is displeased with the lack of progress in the hunt for the seven fugitives.

"Any sensible enforcer must get PNoy's message loud and clear: They are sitting on their butts doing nothing. More so, he used the word 'displeased' when what he actually meant was 'pissed,'" Lacson said.

On Thursday, Malacañang announced an increase in the reward money for seven fugitives, including:

- Former Maj. Gen. Jovito Palparan Jr., linked to the disappearance of two activists in 2006, with a reward of P2 million.

- Former Palawan Governor Joel Reyes and brother Mario Reyes, who were charged for the murder of environmentalist-broadcaster Gerry Ortega in 2011. Each has a P2-million reward for information leading to his capture.

- Former Dinagat Islands Rep. Ruben Ecleo Jr., who was found guilty for the murder of his wife. A P2-million reward is offered for information leading to his capture.

- Businessman Delfin Lee, president of Globe Asiatique Realty Holdings Corp., who is accused of defrauding government of billions of pesos in housing loans. A P2-million reward is offered for his capture.

- Benito Tiamzon, leader of what is believed to be the hardline faction of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army. His faction was linked to violent incidents by the NPA against civilian targets. A P5.6-million reward is offered for information leading to his capture.

- Jorge Madlos, a CPP-NPA personality linked to high-profile attacks on civilian targets and economic projects in Mindanao. A P5.6-million reward is offered for information leading to his capture.

But presidential spokesman Edwin Lacierda also said Mr. Aquino was "displeased with the lack of progress in arresting high-profile fugitives."

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