PNP Chief Commits to Arresting High-Profile Targets
The Philippine National Police (PNP) is determined to bring high-profile targets evading justice to account, even if it means using force. PNP Chief Police General Nicolas Torre III emphasized on June 6 that manhunt operations remain active and relentless.
“Our manhunt operations are continuous regarding that matter,” Torre said during a DZRH radio interview. “We have arrested a lot of high-profile subjects especially when I was at the CIDG, but there are those who still evade the law.”
He confirmed that the police have credible leads on the whereabouts of key fugitives, including former presidential spokesperson Harry Roque, ex-Bureau of Corrections chief Gerald Bantag, and former police Lt. Col. Rafael Dumlao III.
Allocating Resources and Using Force When Needed
Now leading the PNP, Torre has vowed to dedicate sufficient resources to locate and arrest these individuals. “You all have seen how I operate if the subject is high-profile. We will use intelligence and if there is resistance, we really have to use force so they will not be able to fight back,” he asserted.
He expressed confidence that these fugitives will eventually be captured and face the consequences of their alleged crimes. “At the end of the day, I’m confident that we will arrest them and they will be placed where they rightfully belong,” Torre added.
Past Operations Highlight Torre’s Resolve
Torre’s reputation stems from leading two major police operations. As acting director of the Davao Police Regional Office, he spearheaded the arrest of Apollo Quiboloy, founder of the Kingdom of Jesus Christ. Quiboloy faced charges in the U.S. for sexual misconduct, human trafficking, and fraud. The operation culminated in a two-week standoff before Quiboloy’s arrest in September 2024.
Later, as director of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG), Torre orchestrated the unprecedented arrest of former President Rodrigo Duterte. This followed an International Criminal Court (ICC) arrest warrant for crimes against humanity related to the controversial drug war. Duterte was sent to The Hague for trial.
Current High-Profile Cases
Roque currently faces an arrest warrant from Angeles City Regional Trial Court for alleged violation of the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act. This is linked to the Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator operations at Lucky South 99 in Pampanga. Roque has denied any involvement.
Bantag is charged with murder, accused of masterminding the killing of journalist Percival “Percy Lapid” Mabasa in 2022. Dumlao is alleged to be the mastermind behind the 2016 kidnap-slay of Korean businessman Jee Ick-joo inside Camp Crame.
With the same unwavering determination, the PNP under Torre aims to bring these high-profile subjects to justice.
For more news and updates on high-profile targets, visit Filipinokami.com.