‘No untouchables in crime drive’

Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Director General Arturo Lomibao gave assurance yesterday that there will be no "untouchables" in the police campaign against all forms of criminal activities, particularly hijacking.

"Let it be emphasized that no one is untouchable before the law and the PNP shall perform its duty to enforce the law without fear and favor," Lomibao said on reports that a syndicate managed to hijack a Federal Express (FEDEX) truck in Cavite last Dec. 17 without being pursued by the police.

Lomibao directed the Cavite police to conduct a thorough investigation into the hijacking of the FEDEX truck carrying some $565,000 or P30.5 million worth of microchips of Maxim Integrated Products, as STAR publisher Max Soliven wrote in his column "By The Way" yesterday.

"I have directed police officials in the area to submit a detailed report on the incident as this is considered a high-profile crime, it being committed against a multinational corporation that could impact on our investors’ confidence," Lomibao said.

He tapped Chief Superintendent Jesus Verzosa, Southern Tagalog (Region 4-A) police director, and Senior Superintendent Benjarde Mantele, Cavite police director, to ensure that members of hijacking groups in the region are put behind bars.

"We want to assure the public that there are no untouchables. The police have been doing their best to address that," Lomibao told The STAR.

He said the police might get a warrant of arrest for the hijacking mastermind, a certain "Joel B," whom two witnesses have implicated.

The two, who have been placed under police custody, claimed to have taken part in the hijacking which, they said, was personally led by "Joel B."

"The two positively identified the mastermind and the police filed the charges based on their testimony. Perhaps in two weeks, we will be able to get a warrant (for) the mastermind," Lomibao said.

Investigation showed that five to six men armed with caliber .45 pistols flagged down the FEDEX truck carrying the microchips for shipment all over the world and ordered its driver, Gery Acedo, to drive toward Tagaytay City and then to Amadeo, Cavite.

Acedo told probers that the cargo was transferred to various vehicles. He and his helper Roven Patricio were later released separately.

Earlier, Cavite police identified the alleged mastermind as a certain "Joel B" after someone who claimed to have been part of the "planning stage," surfaced and implicated him.

"With the testimony of the witness, the police referred the charges to the prosecutor’s office, which ordered the release of the alleged mastermind for further investigation. The testimony was about the planning stage so the prosecutor apparently ruled that it was weak," Lomibao said.

Lomibao, however, said the police would ensure that those involved in illegal activities are identified, arrested and prosecuted.