The Philippine National Police (PNP) has organized tracker teams to conduct manhunt operations against the nine other individuals tagged as suspects in the alleged rape-slay of flight attendant Christine Angelica Dacera in a Makati City hotel on New Year’s day.
PNP chief Gen. Debold Sinas said the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) has also issued subpoena against those who have not yet turned themselves in to the police to shed light on the discovery of the cadaver of Dacera.
“Lest we forget that the PNP now has the subpoena power, my authority is already delegated to the Director of the CIDG. Now, CIDG has already issued the subpoena to all the other suspects and I think the CIDG now comes in with the investigation,” said Sinas.
On Tuesday night, Sinas gave all the remaining suspects in the death of Dacera to surrender within 72 hours, or face arrest that may include the use of force. He also warned those coddling the suspects, including their families, of arrest.
They were identified as Gregorio Angelo Rafael de Guzman, Louie de Lima, Clark Jezreel Rapinan, Rey Englis, Mark Anthony Rosales, Jammyr Cunanan, Valentine Rosales, a certain Ed Madrid, and a certain Paul.
The Makati City Police are currently holding John Pascual Dela Serna III, 27; Rommel Daluro Galido, 29; and John Paul Reyes Halili, 25.
All of them were charged with Rape with Homicide before the Makati City Prosecutor's Office.
Should the nine remaining suspects fail to surrender, Sinas said they would file direct contempt against them which could lead to the issuance of arrest warrants.
“If we get the warrant, we will now have a reason to forcibly take them. That’s why we are appealing to the family that if they really have nothing to do with it, let them surrender,” said Sinas.
He said that since the ultimatum was given, some of the suspects already made initial contact with the PNP.
“What is definite is that I have already organized CIDG and the CIDG has already organized a manhunt and we have already instructed the Director of NCRPO to implement the subpoena that will be given to the persons of interest and suspects,” said Sinas.
“We are tracking them so that's why we are appealing to the family to have them surrender to expedite this process,” he added.