DILG to PNP: Conduct nationwide manhunt for Magpali gun-for-hire gang
By Chito Chavez
On orders of President Duterte, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) directed the Philippine National Police (PNP) to run after the Magpali gun-for-hire group reportedly led by a dismissed police officer.
In a radio interview with Erwin Tulfo on Friday, July 23, DILG Undersecretary for External and Legislative Affairs Ricojudge Janvier M. Echiverri confirmed the President’s order for the arrest of the mastermind of the Magpali group which is allegedly composed of rogue policemen and soldiers.
"Yes, we confirm that. Secretary Eduardo Año is aware of it. He has given the same instructions to the PNP to act," Echiverri said.
Echiverri said the instruction was to go after the group in all areas where its members may have gone hiding.
Duterte earlier told the PNP Ilocos region to “get the head’’ of the Magpali gang which was reportedly hired by some unscrupulous politicians to harass or liquidate political rivals ahead of the 2022 elections.
The order was in response to the appeal of La Union Rep. Sandra Eriguel who disclosed an alleged assassination plot against her and two mayors in the province.
Eriguel is the widow of former Rep. Franny Eriguel who was slain in 2018 with the two other targets allegedly also allied with the Eriguels based on intelligence reports.
In a statement, cause-oriented group Crusaders for Peace said that “catching the leader of the group would lead authorities into the bottom of stemming the political killings in La Union way back in 2018.’’