Finding Ecleo is hard, CIDG admits

CEBU, Philippines - A high-ranking police official admitted that they are having difficulty in arresting Rep. Ruben Ecleo Jr.

Criminal Investigation and Detection Group director Samuel Pagdilao said they are now relying on the help of the public in their efforts to arrest Ecleo.

He hopes that the reward being offered by the government will encourage the public to help the authorities.

“May difficulty talaga sa pag-arrest kay Ecleo. So we are propagating the help of the people through this incentive,” Pagdilao said.

Pagdilao was in Cebu for a command conference with CIDG regional. He revealed that they have created the Community Investigative Support wherein people’s involvement is emphasized.

The CIS just turned one year last Saturday and the celebration was held at the Cebu International Convention Center (CICC) in Mandaue City.

“For any law enforcement, kailangan talaga ang tulong ng mga mamamayan,” Pagdilao said.

Sr. Supt. Keith Singian, the appointed head of the Special Task Force Avengers, also admitted that it is hard to arrest Ecleo and three other big time fugitives known as the Big Four.

 “Iyong mga wanted persons nga sa lower level mahirap hanapin. How much more iyong may funding, may resources, mahirap talaga,” Siñgian said.

TF Avengers is tasked to track down the four big time fugitives. Singian is confident that Ecleo is still in the country.

Just recently, President Benigno Aquino III raised the reward money for tipsters who can give information that would lead to the arrest of four high-profile fugitives in the country or the “Big Four.”

Aside from Ecleo, also considered high-profile fugitives are retired major general Jovito Palparan, former Palawan governor Joel Reyes and his brother Mario, and Globe Asiatique owner Delfin Lee.

A reward of P2 million each was set for the arrest of the Big Four. Ecleo was convicted for the murder of his wife, Alona, in Cebu City in 2002. Palparan was accused of kidnapping for the disappearance of students Sherlyn Cadapan and Karen Empeño in 2006.

The Reyes brothers were identified as the mastermind in the murder of Palawan broadcaster and environmentalist Gerry Ortega while Lee, the owner of Globe Asiatique, is charged with syndicated estafa. — (FREEMAN)