PNP: Fugitive Parojinog still in Taiwan

MANILA, Philippines — Fugitive Ozamiz City Councilor Ricardo “Ardot” Parojinog has yet to be deported and remains in the custody of the authorities in Taiwan, Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Director General Oscar Albayalde said yesterday.

Albayalde said no one is allowed to visit Parojinog at his detention cell.

He noted that the PNP is investigating reports that Parojinog was coddled by local officials and left the country using a speedboat.

Some of Parojinog’s trusted aides reportedly gave away details about him that led to his arrest in Taiwan last week.

Albayalde said once deported, Parojinog will be referred to the court that will decide on where he will detained.

PNP spokesman Chief Superintendent John Bulalacao confirmed the arrest of Parojinog, whose elder brother Ozamiz mayor Reynaldo Parojinog and several relatives were killed in a police raid in July last year. The fugitive escaped during the raid.

President Duterte linked the Parojinogs to the illegal drugs trade, which led to the series of police operations against them.