PNP: Cop, reservist suspected protectors of Chinese fugitive linked to telecom fraud

The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Friday said an active police officer and a reservist were allegedly involved in protecting a Chinese fugitive arrested in Makati City over links to telecom fraud.

“This is very concerning that an active police officer is allegedly involved in protecting a fugitive. This is a clear betrayal of public trust if proven. Hindi natin kukunsintihin ang kahit sinong pulis na sangkot sa kriminal na aktibidad,” PNP chief Police General Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said in a statement.

(We will not tolerate any police officer involved in criminal activity.)

The 29-year-old foreign national was apprehended by operatives of the Bureau of Immigration in coordination with the PNP and the Armed Forces of the Philippines in Barangay Bel-Air.

Aside from him, three other undocumented Chinese nationals were also arrested.

According to the Bureau of Immigration, the suspect had been linked to multi-million peso telecom scams abroad and was tracked down following an intelligence tip.

Authorities are now probing reports that the fugitive was supposedly being protected by armed individuals including the cop and reservist as he evaded arrest.

Nartatez said the PNP has initiated a deeper investigation in coordination with the Bureau of Immigration to determine the extent of any links between the officer and the alleged fraud syndicate.

“Let this be a warning—the Philippine National Police has no room for those engaged in illegal activities. Serve with integrity or face the consequences,” he added. —AOL, GMA Integrated News