Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Guillermo Eleazar on Friday has ordered the police force’s Intelligence Group and other concerned units to conduct an extensive background check against criminal personalities involved in recent robbery and kidnapping incidents.
In a statement, Eleazar said the move aims to prevent these individuals from being used by candidates to raise funds for their candidacy in next year’s elections.
“I have already directed all the chiefs of police and our Intelligence Group to conduct intense background checks on all wanted persons and other individuals in their respective watchlist who have been involved in robberies of banks, pawnshops and other business establishments and even in kidnapping-for-ransom activities,” Eleazar said.
Eleazar’s order came following the arrest of two suspects in the robbery of the Chinabank Otis branch in Manila.
The suspects were identified as truck driver Carel Macarine, 32, and truck helper, Ryan Sale, 28. A third suspect, who is believed to be the one who entered and robbed the bank, remains at large and is being sought by police agents.
Eleazar also said the PNP is already coordinating with the Bureau of Corrections to heighten their measures to prevent convicted leaders and members of kidnapping syndicates and robbery groups from continuing their lawless acts while incarcerated.
Source: Philippines News Agency