MANILA - Fugitive Ozamiz City Councilor Ricardo "Ardot" Parojinog, who is being investigated for illegal possession of firearms, was arrested in Taiwan, ending ten (10) months of hiding, the Philippine National Police (PNP) said Thursday.
The fugitive councilor had been in hiding since January 2017, months before the police raid that killed his brother, Ozamiz City mayor Reynaldo "Aldong" Parojinog Sr. and 14 others on July 30.
He is the younger brother of Ozamiz City mayor Aldong Parojinog, Sr. whom President Rodrigo Duterte linked to the illegal drugs trade.
The councilor, who is wanted for his alleged involvement in the illegal drugs trade and other crimes, tried to enter Taiwan using illegal immigration papers, PNP spokesperson Chief Supt. John Bulalacao told reporters.
The councilor's arrested cohorts tipped off authorities on his whereabouts. He was captured late Wednesday in Pingtung County, Taiwan.
Bulalacao said Ardot was arrested after a "red notice" from the Interpol, which stated that Parojinog did not have proper documents.
"This is something that is being investigated by the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), in case the DFA finds out that he left the country through the back door," he said.
A team from the Philippine National Police will fetch him from Taiwan, the PNP said.
Upon his arrival in the country, Ardot will face charges for violating Republic Act (RA) 10591 or the Comprehensive Law on Firearms and Ammunition and RA 9516 or the law against illegal possession of firearms and explosives.
The Criminal Investigation and Detection Group also found out that Parojinog also stole electricity.
The mayor's children -- Ozamiz City Vice Mayor Nova Princess Parojinog-Echavez, and her brother, Reynaldo Jr. -- were arrested during the raid. The two siblings are facing charges of illegal possession of firearms and explosives, and illegal possession of dangerous drugs.
Earlier this month, Reynaldo Jr. was transferred to the Quezon City Jail from the PNP Custodial Center in Camp Crame, where is sister remains.
The DOJ said Ricardo was not at his home when police found several firearms and ammunition in his residence.
Last year, President Rodrigo Duterte offered a P5-million bounty for the arrest of Councilor Parojinog.
Palace welcomes arrest
Malacanang Palace on Thursday welcomed the arrest of the Ozamiz councilor.
"That's good news because in the first place, what is he doing in Taiwan if he did not violate any laws? As they say, the flight is an evidence of guilt," Roque told reporters in Marawi City.
Roque assured the residents of Ozamiz that the councilor would face justice.
"He will be investigated and tried for the crime he committed," the Palace official added. [The Manila Times, MindaNews and ABS-CBN News]
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