Aquino hints at arrest of another top fugitive

MANILA, Philippines - After the fall of retired army general Jovito Palparan, President Benigno Aquino III hinted at the possible arrest of another high-profile fugitive.

"Meron pong developments pero hindi ko po puwedeng sabihin sa inyo," Aquino said in an exclusive interview with Bombo Radyo aired on Thursday morning.

Aquino assured that pursuit operations against all those with arrest warrants are ongoing.

"Asahan ninyong tuluy-tuloy ang success natin diyan," he said.

Some of the most wanted personalities have been arrested this year including Palparan and Globe Asiatique president Delfin Lee, two of the so-called "Big 5" fugitives.

Dubbed as the "berdugo" (butcher), Palparan was arrested earlier this month in connection with the alleged kidnapping and serious illegal detention of University of the Philippines students Sherlyn Cadapan and Karen Empeño.

Lee, on the other hand, was arrested last March for allegedly defrauding Pag-Ibig Fund of almost P6.6 billion.

After the businessman's arrest, Aquino himself hinted that another "big fish" may be captured soon.

Also arrested last March were Benito Tiamzon, chairman of the Communist Party of the Philippines, his wife Wilma, secretary general of the CPP, and five other communist rebels.

Three of the "Big 5" fugitives remain at large - former Palawan governor Joel Reyes and his brother, Coron Mayor Mario Reyes, and Dinagat Island Rep. Ruben Ecleo Jr.