Faeldon reported seen in Makati hotel

Close to 50 policemen were deployed Wednesday night at the Makati Shangri-La Hotel after reports that fugitive  Marine Capt. Nicanor Faeldon was sighted in the area reached police authorities.

Southern Police District (SPD) head Chief Superintendent Luizo Ticman said they received information around 8 p.m. of Faeldon’s alleged presence in the hotel.

“Apart from the usual number of policemen conducting routinary patrol activities in the area, we just sent additional police force to make sure that there is enough men to respond and handle the situation very well just in case the report turned positive,” he said.

Among those who surrounded the hotel were members of the SPD Mobile Force, Intelligence Unit and the Special Weapons and Tactics Team.

It was past 9 p.m. when the lawmen confirmed that Faeldon was not in the vicinity. The policemen dispersed before midnight.

Makati police chief Superintendent Gilbert Cruz said the deployment of policemen is just a precautionary measure after they were informed of Faeldon’s possible presence in the area.

“It turned out the situation was not that serious though we just wanted to make sure there are enough policemen on the ground who will make sure everything is in order,” Cruz said.

Faeldon is wanted for his participation in the failed coup staged more than three weeks ago. He joined Sen. Antonio Trillanes IV and Brig. Gen. Danilo Lim in the siege at the Manila Peninsula Hotel in Makati last Nov. 29.

Prior to taking over the Manila Peninsula,  Trillanes – along with Lim and other soldiers – walked out of a court hearing in Makati to renew calls for the resignation of President Arroyo. – Rhodina Villanueva