Ontog orders Lacson arrest

CEBU, Philippines – Regional Police Director Ager Ontog has ordered a follow-up on reports that fugitive Senator Panfilo Lacson was sighted in Cebu a few days ago.

Ontog said he will not hesitate to arrest Lacson if his presence is confirmed.

"Kailangang huhulihin kung totoong nandito siya sa atin," Ontog said during yesterday's 888 New Forum at the Marco Polo Plaza Hotel.

Lacson graduated from the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) nine years ahead of Ontog in 1971. The Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) has dispatched a "tracker team" to hunt Lacson down following reports of his presence in various parts of the country.

As of yesterday, Ontog said no sufficient evidence could establish the senator's presence here in Cebu.

Suspicions that Lacson could be hiding in Cebu surfaced owing to information that the senator keeps loyal friends here, including former classmates at the academy like former Police Regional Office Director Tiburcio Fusilero.

Lacson has been wanted after the court ordered his arrest for allegedly masterminding the murder of publicist Salvador "Buddy" Dacer and driver Emmanuel Corbito a decade ago.

Despite testimonies of some of his trusted men at the former Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Task Force (PAOCTF), Lacson denied any involvement in the killings.   Some policemen here who served under Lacson when the latter was PNP chief admitted arresting the senator is a difficult job.

"Lisura anang trabahoa uy nga dakpon nato siya'g unay pero wala ta'y mahimo kon dunay order," one of them said. (FREEMAN)