Hunt on for 2 ex-PCSO officials

MANILA, Philippines - The Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) is hunting down two former officials of the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office charged with plunder along with Pampanga Rep. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo in connection with the alleged misuse of P300-million PCSO funds.

CIDG chief Superintendent Benjamin Magalong said former PCSO general manager Rosario Uriarte and ex-board member Ma. Fatima Valdes remain at-large.

The CIDG intensified the manhunt for the two accused after Jose Taruc V, also a former PCSO official, surrendered last Monday.

Magalong said Taruc surrendered in the hope that he would be allowed to post bail.

“He surrendered after learning that two of his co-accused were able to post bail,” he said, referring to former PCSO chairman Manuel Morato and Rey Roquero.

Magalong said they presented Taruc to the Sandiganbayan’s First Division after his fingerprints and mugshots were taken.

Taruc is being held at the CIDG office.