Retired Army Major General Jovito Palparan. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines – While keeping mum on who will be arrested next among high-profile fugitives, President Benigno Aquino III on Thursday said continued success was expected.
“Asahan na lang ho niyong tuloy-tuloy hong success natin diyan,” said Aquino during an interview with Bombo Radyo.
(Expect our success will continue.)
The President gave his statement more than two weeks after retired Army Major General Jovito Palparan was arrested in Sta. Mesa, Manila.
Palparan is among the “Big 5” fugitives with a P2-million bounty each on their head.
Another person on the list was Globe Asiatique developer Delfin Lee who was already arrested to face syndicated estafa charges.
Still being hunted are former Dinagat Island Rep. Ruben Ecleo Jr., former Palawan Governor Joel Reyes and his brother, former Coron Mayor Mario Reyes.
Ecleo has been on the run after being convicted for parricide, after allegedly killing his wife in 2002.
Meanwhile, the Reyes brothers are accused of being the mastermind in the killing of radio broadcaster and environmentalist Gerry Ortega.
“Meron nang developments pero hindi ko ho puwedeng sabihin sa inyo, ’di ba? Dahil baka ’pag naituro nating malapit na…baka mawala na naman ho doon,” he said when prodded for more information.
(There are developments but I can’t tell you because these would tip off the fugitives.)
He said that was what happened in Palparan’s case. The retired general was sighted several months ago. Aquino said they had to wait again until he re-surfaced earlier in August.
“So kulang ‘yung kakayahan ’nung intel unit at that time na arestuhin siya dahil may mga kasama raw ho, diumano,” he said.
(At that time, the intel unit that spotted him backed off because he allegedly had companions.)
He said the police would not rest until all warrants of arrest are served.
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