Bartolome asks public help in finding Palparan, other fugitives

Philippine National Police Chief Nicanor Bartolome. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines – Still unable to locate retired Major General Jovito Palparan, Philippine National Police Director General Nicanor Bartolome sought the public’s help Friday in finding the former military officer who has been in hiding since last year.

Bartolome said authorities were having difficulty finding Palparan because of his training in the military.

“What I can say is in the case of General Palparan, he is trained and he knows what to do and that what makes it, maybe, difficult for us,” he said, adding that they have been trained the same way.

Intensified manhunt operations are ongoing against Palparan, former Palawan Governor Joel Reyes and his brother, Coron mayor Mario Reyes Jr., for allegedly masterminding the killing of broadcaster Gerry Ortega; and Dinagat Island Representative Ruben Ecleo, who was convicted for the murder of his wife.

“In the case of the other fugitives, maybe it would just be a matter of time before they can be properly accounted for,” he said.

Bartolome is confident that these fugitives are still inside the country, as no reports on their departure have been received by police authorities.

As to reports that they are being cuddled by someone, the PNP chief has to say: “Hindi naman lahat siguro ay . . . kaibigan nila. Kung meron man . . . I still believe that mas marami nagnanais na makuha sila [Perhaps not all of them are friends . . . If there are . . . I still believe that there are a lot who want them arrested].”