Gov't hikes bounty for arrest of high-profile fugitives

MANILA, Philippines - President Aquino has raised the bounty for information leading to the arrest of all high-profile fugitives from justice.

“The President is displeased with the lack of progress in arresting high-profile fugitives,” presidential spokesman Edwin Lacierda told a news briefing during which Justice Secretary Leila de Lima gave updates on the reported escape of convicted killer Rolito Go.

The reward for the immediate capture of retired major general Jovito Palparan, former Palawan governor Joel Reyes and his brother Mario, Globe Asiatique owner Delfin Lee and Dinagat Island Rep. Ruben Ecleo was raised from P1 million to P2 million each.

Palparan is facing charges before the Bulacan regional trial court for the disappearance of UP students Sherlyn Cadapan and Karen Empeno in 2006.

The Reyes brothers were accused of masterminding the murder of local newsman Gerry Ortega, a known environmentalist in Palawan.

Lee is accused of defrauding the Home Development Mutual Fund or PagIBIG of more than P7 billion for 9,951 housing loan from March 2008 to August 2010.

The amount far exceeded the P500-million annual limit that PagIBIG grants accredited developers. Lee and several others are facing syndicated estafa charges with the Pampanga courts.

Ecleo was convicted for parricide for the death of his wife Alona in Cebu City in 2002. Cebu Judge Soliver Peras sentenced Ecleo to 40 years in jail and ordered him to pay his wife’s family P25.6 million in damages.

The Chief Executive also increased to P5.6 million each the reward for information leading to the arrest of communist rebels Benito Tiamzon and Jorge Madlos, who have outstanding warrants of arrest.

Quoting Presidential Adviser on Peace Process Teresita Deles, Lacierda said the arrest of the two communist leaders would not stand in the way of the peace negotiations.

“We have consulted Secretary Deles. This will not have any effect on the ongoing peace process,” he said.

National Security Adviser Cesar Garcia said the bounties for the two most wanted Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) leaders had long been offered.

Garcia said Tiamzon is believed to be responsible for the spate of violent incidents, particularly those perpetrated against civilian targets.

He said Madlos, on the other hand, is responsible for several high-profile attacks on civilian targets and key economic programs in Mindanao. – With Jose Rodel Clapano