Torre ready to hunt down Bantag, Roque

MANILA, Philippines — Following his appointment as director of the police Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG), Brig. Gen. Nicolas Torre III said he would intensify manhunt operations against wanted people, including former government officials.

Among the personalities whom law enforcers are hunting is former presidential spokesman Harry Roque, who has an arrest order issued by the House of Representatives quad committee, which considers him a “fugitive.”

Police are also hunting former Bureau of Corrections chief Gerald Bantag, who is facing murder charges for the killing of broadcaster Percy Lapid.

While he has yet to receive instructions from Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Rommel Francisco Marbil about Roque, Torre said he is ready to supervise the hunt for the former government official and other wanted people.

Torre, 54, officially assumed the CIDG post during turnover rites at Camp Crame in Quezon City yesterday.

Torre warned wanted persons that police will catch them even if they try to hide below the ground, similar to what Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC) founder Apollo Quiboloy did when he evaded arrest for qualified human trafficking and child abuse.

“Kahit na magtago sila sa ilalim ng lupa (Even if they hide underground, we will find them),” Torre said in an interview over dzRH.

As Davao regional police director, Torre led over 5,000 police personnel in hunting down Quiboloy.

Police occupied the KOJC compound for 16 days until Quiboloy and his co-accused, who allegedly hid in an underground bunker, were arrested.

Quiboloy is being held at the PNP Custodial Center while Torre is at the CIDG’s main office, both at Camp Crame, which make them neighbors.

Torre replaced Maj. Gen. Leo Francisco, who was transferred to the personnel holding and accounting unit of the Directorate for Personnel and Records Management.

There is no word yet if Francisco would get a new post.

On Monday, Francisco told reporters there is no longer a need to pursue an investigation on allegations that a former PNP chief helped dismissed Bamban mayor Alice Guo escape.

Francisco made the statement following the admission of Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. senior vice president Raul Villanueva that he only based it on rumors.

On Tuesday, Francisco changed his tune, saying the probe on the former PNP chief linked to Guo would continue.