Bicol cops pursuing lead in Tallado case—report

By: Aries Joseph Hegina - 10 years ago

CAMARINES Norte Gov. Edgardo Tallado and his wife Josie in this photo taken in 2013. JUAN ESCANDOR JR./INQUIRER SOUTHERN LUZON FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines—A top official from the Philippine National Police Bicol Region said Tuesday that they have obtained information that may lead to finding the missing wife of Camarines Norte Governor Edgardo “Egay” Tallado and her aide.

PNP Region 5 Director Chief Superintendent Victor Deona was quoted in a radio report as saying that the Bicol police are conducting a round-the-clock search for Josie Tallado and Darlene Francisco.

Deona also said that they do not have a suspect yet for the disappearance of Tallado and Francisco.

He added that they are looking at why someone attempted to burn the black Toyota Fortuner used by Tallado and Francisco and why the governor’s wife was not accompanied by a security escort.

Meanwhile, the Philippine Army said Tuesday that it is set to join the search for the Tallado and Francisco.

Captain Mardjorie Paimela Panesa, 9th Infantry Division Public Affairs Officer, said the 49th Infantry Battalion stationed in Camarines Sur would join “Task Force Josie.”

“We support the Task Force Josie in terms of intel and deployment of troops for rescue operations,” Lieutenant Colonel Medel Aguilar, Battalion Commander of the 49th IB said.

Panesa said the 49th IB would assist the Philippine National Police “to help speed up” the search.

The regional police took over the investigation in cooperation with members of the Army, Department of the Interior and Local Government and the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group.

Camarines Norte police organized “Task Force Josie” Monday to find the two missing persons.

“Task Force Josie” head Senior Superintendent Moises Pagaduan said that they are verifying claims that the two were seen in a Naga City hotel Friday and that the Facebook account of Francisco was seen online last Saturday.