Crackdown ordered on Cotabato town’s most wanted

NORTH COTABATO, Philippines  – The mayor of Makilala town in North Cotabato on Wednesday ordered the police to arrest all of the 15 most wanted persons before yearend to ensure public safety.

Some of the most wanted persons – charged with drug offenses, armed robberies and cattle theft – are reportedly being coddled by the New People’s Army (NPA).

The NPA recently attacked isolated areas in Makilala to threaten villagers and force them to pay protection money.

Mayor Rudy Caoagdan ordered town police officer-in-charge Chief Inspector Elias Colonia to tap the help of village officials in locating the wanted persons.