MANILA, Philippines?The Philippine National Police has spread out its manhunt for the key suspect in the killing of the son of a Malacañang executive on Wednesday night, saying that a "major breakthrough" in the investigation was forthcoming.

PNP chief Director Gen. Jesus Verzosa on Friday directed the Metro Manila police and the Aviation Security Group to join in the pursuit operations against Jason Ivler, believed to have shot dead Renato Victor Ebarle Jr., 27, on Santolan Road corner Ortigas Ave. in Quezon City, supposedly over a traffic altercation.

Ebarle was the son of Presidential Chief of Staff Undersecretary Renato Ebarle Sr., and works as a recruitment manager of Manila Peninsula hotel in Makati City.

The directive came as copies of Ivler's photo were circulated to all police units across the capital and in major airports and seaports, said PNP spokesperson Chief Supt. Leonardo Espina on Friday.

Espina also said that the suspect's stepfather, Stephen Pollard, an executive at the Asian Development Bank has already communicated with the investigators at the Quezon City Police District and gave his word to assist in locating Ivler.

Police have established that Pollard owned the Honda CR-V bearing a diplomatic plate, which Ivler was supposedly driving when the shooting occurred. But Verzosa stressed that dependents of ADB officials do not enjoy similar immunity accorded to members of the diplomatic community.

He also expressed confidence on Friday that a major breakthrough in the case was forthcoming. "Ivler's movement is being closely monitored through the NCRPO's network of CCTV cameras installed in strategic locations around Metro Manila," Verzosa said.

Meanwhile, records from the PNP Firearms and Explosives Division also showed that there was no firearm registered under Ivler's name, said Espina.

In August 2004, Ivler figured in a deadly car accident along the C5-Ortigas flyover, killing Nestor Ponce Jr., an adviser of President Macapagal-Arroyo, according to Espina.

Ivler, whom Verzosa described as "armed and dangerous," was issued a hold departure order and charged in court.

Agents from the National Bureau of Investigation and Bureau of Immigration later arrested him in Zamboanga City while about to sail to Malaysia.