‘Galingan Ninyo Pa!’

Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Jonvic Remulla on Monday directed the Philippine National Police (PNP) to fully mobilize its 225,000-strong force in the intensified nationwide manhunt for high-profile fugitives.

In line with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to exhaust all efforts in bringing wanted suspects to justice, the DILG, PNP, and other law enforcement agencies have stepped up operations across the country, including coordination efforts beyond Philippine borders to track down top-tier fugitives.

Remulla said he challenged the PNP leadership during a recent command conference to become more aggressive and proactive in locating suspects such as Atong Ang, former police officer Gerard Dumlao III, and Zaldy Co.

“Sabi ko, 200,000 kayo. Alangan namang ‘di n’yo kaya hanapin, tatatlong tao lang. Galingan n’yo pa,” he remarked.

“So chinallenge ko sila na yung 200,000 dapat lahat ma-harness para mahanap ang tatlong tao ito,” he added.

The DILG chief said the PNP has since intensified its operational focus and strengthened its strategies in pursuing the wanted personalities.

He also acknowledged the difficulties faced by law enforcement in tracking fugitives, pointing to the country’s geography, porous borders in parts of Southern Philippines, and the vast resources available to some high-profile suspects.

At the same time, Remulla admitted that a few “rotten eggs” continue to affect the PNP’s information chain despite the organization’s improving performance standards.

“It’s [PNP] imperfect. It’s made up of humans, so yung information chain diyan, laging may break down,” he said.

Despite this, Remulla assured the public that the DILG and PNP will continue internal cleansing efforts to weed out scalawag police officers and strengthen accountability within the ranks.

#DILGNatin