Man turns self in over alleged cop abduction of Chinese citizens

The driver/bodyguard of four Chinese citizens turned himself in on Thursday in connection with his employers' abduction, allegedly by police officers.

In a statement, House Deputy Majority Leader Erwin Tulfo said that the man, identified as Michael Novecio, personally surrendered to the congressman.

According to Tulfo, Novecio said that he was used as an informant by Southern Police District-Detective and Special Operations Unit (SPD-DSOU) cops who allegedly arbitrarily detained and robbed the victims in September 2023.

“For fear for his life, Novecio sought Tulfo's help to surrender to Sta. Rosa, Laguna lawmaker Daniel Fernandez, chairperson of the House Committee on Public Order and Safety, currently investigating the case, in aid of legislation in Congress,” the statement from Tulfo’s office read.

“He saw our inquiry on this the other day, that is why he turned himself in,” it added. “He said he does not even know who is his real enemy, and that he is being chased by a group of Chinese individuals and the police.”

Fernandez, whose committee issued a warrant of arrest against Novecio on Tuesday for repeatedly refusing to appear in their inquiry, tasked House Secretary General Reginald Velasco to provide him protection.

Fernandez also expressed gratitude for the trust in Congress. “Rest assured that you are safe here,” he said. — BM, GMA Integrated News