NCRPO intensifies manhunt for 250 fugitives

MANILA, Philippines - National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) director Chief Superintendent Joel Pagdilao ordered yesterday his five district directors and 38 station commanders to intensify the manhunt for the 250 wanted persons in Metro Manila.

Pagdilao vowed to step up the campaign against fugitives to reduce crime rate in the metropolis.

He ordered Senior Superintendent Manuel Lukban, NCRPO intelligence chief, to lead the manhunt for the fugitives under the “Lambat Sibat” program of former Interior and Local Government secretary Manuel Roxas II.

“With all the fugitives behind bars, there would be fewer criminals roaming the streets of Metro Manila,” Pagdilao said.

He directed district directors and station commanders to identify the criminals in their jurisdictions and have them arrested.

The NCRPO had arrested 190 of the 440 most wanted persons in the metropolis since the Lambat Sibat was implemented in June last year.

The latest to be arrested were Julius Avanedo, Raffy Oquendo and Archie Patrick Germano. They were charged with robbery, rape, attempted murder and theft.

“We should search all nook and corners of Metro Manila for these fugitives. We will not rest until all of them are put in jail,” Pagdilao said.