ACT-CIS Party-list Rep. Erwin Tulfo (Ellson Quismorio/ MANILA BULLETIN)

House Deputy Majority Leader ACT-CIS Party-list Rep. Erwin Tulfo facilitated on Thursday, Feb. 1 the surrender of the driver-bodyguard of four Chinese nationals who were allegedly abducted, arbitrarily detained, and robbed by Southern Police District (SPD) cops last September 2023 in Parañaque City.  

The suspect, Michael Novecio, chose to surrender to Tulfo, the deputy majority leader for communication, at the House of Representatives. 

Novecio bared that he was used as informant of the erring police officers involved in the crime. Now, he has nowhere to turn to and is fearing for his life. 

After receiving feelers from Novecio, Tulfo coordinated with Sta. Rosa lone district Rep. Dan Fernandez, chairman of the House Committee on Public Order and Safety. The surrender took place Thursday afternoon. 

“Napanood niya ang hearing natin nung isang araw, kaya raw siya sumuko sa aming 

tanggapan...May humahabol daw sa kanya na mga grupo ng mga Chinese at hinahabol din siya ng mga grupo ng pulis,” Tulfo told Fernandez, whose committee is investigating the case of the cops in aid of legislation. 

(He heard our hearing the other day, that's why he surrendered to my office...he said he is being tracked down by both the Chinese and the police.) 

The cops were assigned to the SPD-Detective and Special Operations Unit (DSOU). 

On Jan. 30, the House of Representatives issued a warrant of arrest against Novecio for continuously refusing to appear in the hearings regarding the illegal arrest, abduction, and robbery of the four Chinese nationals. 

“Ang reason kaya inilabas namin ang picture niya kasi siya yung pinaka-kasama ng mga 

Chinese nationals. Siya ang nakakaalam kung anong pera meron dun at kung ano ang 

mga negosyo [ng mga Chinese nationals],” Fernandez said. 

(He was the one who knew the Chinese nationals, that’s why we showed his photo. He knows the amount of money involved and the Chinese nationals' business.) 

The House panel chairman instructed Secretary General Reginald Velasco to provide protection to the surrendered suspect. 

Fernando then Novecio: “Thank you for surrendering to us and for trusting us Congress under the leadership of Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez. Rest assured na po-protektahan ka namin dito (Rest assured you will be protected here)."