NBI nabs PNP's 'most wanted' suspect at NAIA

MANILA, Philippines - National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) agents arrested yesterday the country’s most wanted fugitives, a suspected kidnapper with a P1-million reward for his capture, when the man arrived at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) from Singapore.

Rolando Fajardo arrived on board Singapore Airlines flight SQ 910 from Italy via Singapore at around 1:20 p.m. He was immediately handcuffed, presented to the media at the airport’s arrival lobby, and brought to the NBI headquarters for questioning.

Fajardo, who occupies the top spot on the Philippine National Police (PNP) “most wanted” list, is allegedly involved in the kidnap of Noboyuki Wakaoji, a Mitsui & Co. executive, from a golf course in Canlubang, Laguna in 1986. He has nine arrest warrants for kidnapping and another for car theft, issued by various courts in the 1990s.

Fajardo’s brother, Harold, also has a P1-million reward on his head and occupies the second spot on the PNP list. The two brothers were reportedly involved in a series of kidnappings and car thefts in the Southern Tagalog region.

NBI director Magtanggol Gatdula said Fajardo is sick and wanted to surrender to authorities. He said Fajardo believes that with the new administration, he would be given a fair trial.

Gatdula said “a Filipino in in Italy” tipped them off on Fajardo’s return to Manila.

The suspect said he used his real name on this trip, knowing that authorities would meet him upon his return.

“I will break my silence. I am ready to face all the accusations against me. I am innocent,” he said in an interview.

Gatdula debunked earlier reports that they received information from European authorities. He said there were no surrender feelers from Fajardo.

Gatdula said they expect to arrest Fajardo’s brother soon.