PNP chief wants results in 'Big Five' manhunt

MANILA, Philippines - Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Director General Nicanor Bartolome said yesterday he is getting impatient with the police force coming up empty-handed in the hunt for the “Big Five.”

“We need results...It’s more of a reminder to our field commanders that they have a job to do. Of course we know we have limitations but just the same they have to do something about it especially if these Big Five are hiding in their area of responsibility,” he said.

He is referring to fugitives Delfin Lee, owner of Globe Asiatique Realty Holdings Corp.; former-Army general Jovito Palparan; former Palawan governor Joel Reyes and his brother, Coron Mayor Mario Reyes; and Dinagat Island Rep. Ruben Ecleo Jr., who is the leader of Philippine Benevolent Missionaries Association.

The PNP chief said he will consider some necessary and appropriate actions, though he is giving the police force more time “but it has to be soon.”

Lee is facing syndicated estafa charges for the alleged irregular use of P7.03 billion worth of housing loans while Palparan is charged with the kidnapping and illegal detention of University of the Philippines students Sherlyn Cadapan and Karen Empeno in 2006.

The Reyes siblings are wanted for the murder of broadcaster Gerry Ortega, and Ecleo has been convicted of parricide.

Bartolome said the PNP has recommended a P300,000 additional reward be allotted for the arrest of Ecleo and the Reyeses. The Reyes brothers already P1.55 million reward on their heads, Ecleo has P150,000 while there is a P1-million reward for Palparan’s arrest.