Acierto, Fajardo spotted outside NCR; PDEA warns against resisting arrest

Former anti-illegal drugs operatives Eduardo Acierto and Ismael Fajardo—now subjects of state security forces' manhunt operation due to alleged drug links—were spotted in separate places outside Metro Manila, according to the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA).

In Jun Veneracion's report in GMA's 24 Oras on Thursday, PDEA Director-General Aaron Aquino said he cannot disclose specific details because it would preempt their ongoing operation.

He added though, that Fajardo has been reported to have left the country.

"There are also some information na nakakalabas sila ng ibang bansa... through the backdoor. Dito lang sa Asia. Maybe, there are some business transactions," Aquino said.

Meanwhile, records from the Bureau of Immigration showed that Acierto and Fajardo are still inside the country. A hold departure order has been issued against them.

Acierto and Fajardo are subjects of an arrest warrant released by a Manila court for alleged involvement in the smuggling of illegal drugs inside magnetic lifters in the Bureau of Customs.

PDEA's top official warned the suspects against resisting arrest.

"Well, if there will be some resistance, definitely there will be some problems. It's up to them. Siyempre hindi naman magpapauna siguro 'yung PNP o PDEA or other law enforcement agencies," Aquino said.

Malacañang recently offered a P10-million bounty for anyone who could give information that would lead to the arrest of Acierto, who also claimed that President Duterte and other top government officials were protecting supposed Chinese drug suspects—former Presidential Economic Adviser Michael Yang and a certain Allan Lim.

Philippine National Police spokesperson Colonel Bernard Banac, however, said that the police will be unrelenting in going after the dismissed cop Acierto, with or without the reward.

"Maaari pong makasuhan ang sinumang matatagpuan o mapapatunayan na tumutulong o nagkakanlong sa isang hinahanap o pinaghahanap ng batas." Banac added.

The Armed Forces of the Philippines, meanwhile, said it would deploy troops for the operation, if necessary. —Dona Magsino/LDF, GMA News