Cops seek Cebu solons’ help in surrender of Ecleo’s son

CEBU CITY — The Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) plans to ask Cebu congressmen to help convince Ruben Ecleo, "supreme leader" of the Philippine Benevolent Missionaries Association who was implicated in his wife’s killing, not to resist arrest.

CIDG deputy chief for the Visayas Ritchie Posadas said they will request sixth district Rep. Nerissa Soon-Ruiz to ask Ecleo’s mother, Surigao del Norte Rep. Glenda Ecleo, to convince her son to surrender.

The other day, Regional Trial Court Executive Judge Galicano Arriesgado issued separate warrants of arrest for Ecleo and his bodyguard, Juryven Padero, in connection with the death of Ecleo’s wife, Alona.

Soon-Ruiz said she would try to talk with Rep. Ecleo next week, but would not give any assurance that she would be able to convince the Surigao del Norte congresswoman to turn her son in.

But Soon-Ruiz said she has not received any formal request from the CIDG which at present is coordinating with its counterpart in Surigao del Norte to determine Ecleo’s whereabouts.

Earlier, one of Ecleo’s lawyers, Enrique Tandan Sr., gave assurance that his client was still in Surigao and would not go to the United States to evade arrest.

"It will be political suicide on the part of the Ecleos if Ruben will resist arrest," Tandan said.

Posadas quoted an informant as saying that Ecleo celebrated his birthday in Dinagat Island in Surigao del Norte last April 17.

However, Posadas said they are no longer sure if Ecleo is still in his hometown now that the court has issued a warrant for his arrest.

The CIDG said there are rumors that Ecleo intends to surrender to Sen. Robert Barbers.

But should the Ecleos use force to bar Ruben’s arrest, Posadas said, "We will meet force with equivalent force," adding, however, that they would maintain maximum tolerance in serving the arrest warrant.

Posadas said they would not solely depend on the help of the Cebu lawmakers in arresting Ecleo. "We will do our part, whichever comes first," he said. - Freeman News Service