PNP intensifies hunt for 'Big Five'

MANILA, Philippines - From “Big Four,” the Philippine National Police (PNP) has intensified its manhunt for the “Big Five,” including Globe Asiatique owner Delfin Lee, who was charged with syndicated estafa for the alleged irregular use of P7.03 billion worth of housing loans.

The “Big Four” include former-Armygeneral Jovito Palparan, former Palawan governor Joel Reyes and his brother, Coron Mayor Mario Reyes, and Dinagat Island Rep. Ruben Ecleo Jr.

PNP chief Director General Nicanor Bartolome will issue a letter of instruction to step up the manhunt for the five suspects considered as high value target of police operations, said PNP spokesman Chief Superintendent Generoso Cerbo Jr.

“The PNP created trackers team to track down the five high profile fugitives,” Cerbo said.

Lee and other Globe Asia­tique officers were charged by the Home Development Mutual Fund (HMDF or Pag-Ibig Fund) and several home buyers for the alleged double sale of properties in Xeviera housing projects in the towns of Mabalacat and Bacolor in Pampanga.

Palparan was charged with kidnapping and illegal detention by two UP students identified as Sherlyn Cadapan and Karen Empeño in 2006. The Reyes siblings, on the other hand, are wanted for the murder of broadcaster Gerry Ortega while Ecleo has been convicted of parricide.

The PNP has allotted an additional P300,000 reward for the arrest of Ecleo and the Reyes brothers.

The Reyeses have already P1.55 million bounty on their head while Ecleo has P150,000 and Palparan carries a P1 million reward for his arrest.

Earlier, Criminal Investigation and Detection Group chief Director Samuel Pagdilao Jr. has activated a special task force composed of 80 policemen to conduct a more aggressive manhunt for Palparan, Reyes brothers, and Ecleo.

The CIDG said concerned citizens may call telephone numbers 02-7228993, 09277170752, 09283384482 and 09327018909 for information on the whereabouts of the five fugitives.