By Aaron Recuenco
Police confirmed yesterday the arrest of Ozamiz City councilor Ricardo ‘Ardot’ Parojinog, saying he was collared in Taiwan where he sought refuge following the series of raids on the residences of the Parojinog clan last year.
Chief Supt. John Bulalacao, spokesman of the Philippine National Police (PNP), said the arrest of Parojinog is an offshoot of the cooperation between the PNP and its counterpart in Taiwan.
“Our operatives confirmed that he was arrested in Taiwan last night (Wednesday). We are still waiting for the official report,” said Bulalacao.
Parojinog was not in his house when police swooped down on several houses of the influential Parojinog clan that resulted in the death of his brother, Ozamiz City Mayor Reynaldo Parojinog Sr. and 14 others including the mayor’s wife.
Mayor Parojinog’s daughter Princess Nova and son Reynaldo Jr. were eventually arrested and are now detained over various criminal charges that include illegal drugs.
President Duterte has tagged the Parojinogs as key players of illegal drug activities in Ozamiz City and nearby areas. Duterte also tagged Princess Nova as having links with some convicted drug lords at the National Bilibid Prisons.
Even after the bloody July raid, police continue to seize cache of firearms and other materials in the residences of the Parojinogs.
The Department of Justice, through the Bureau of Immigration, has a standing lookout for Ardot Parojinog.
As a matter of protocol, Ardot is expected to be fetched by PNP contingent that would be sent to Taiwan.
It is not still clear where Ardot would be detained when he arrives.
The PNP has a strong cooperation with its international counterparts. It was recalled that suspected drug lord Kerwin Espinosa was arrested at the United Arab Emirates (UAE) where he hid when his name appeared on Duterte’s list.
