Jakarta: Joint Philippine and Indonesian law enforcement agencies have successfully arrested a Filipino fugitive wanted for syndicated estafa and swindling activities.
According to Philippines News Agency, Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) chief Brig. Gen. Nicolas Torre III announced that members of the CIDG-Anti-Organized Crime Unit, the National Central Bureau Jakarta, International Criminal Police Organization, and Indonesian immigration authorities apprehended Hector Pantollana. Pantollana is allegedly involved in a multibillion-peso investment scam and is sought after in the Philippines for multiple cases of syndicated estafa and swindling.
Pantollana, aged 35, was arrested at Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport in Bali while attempting to board a flight to Hong Kong on November 9. His arrest followed the issuance of an Interpol red notice.
Pantollana faces at least seven warrants of arrest issued by courts in Metro Manila and the provinces of Quezon and Cavite. These warrants are
for charges of estafa and violation of Republic Act 8799, also known as the Securities Regulation Code.
“This arrest sends a clear message: criminals cannot escape justice, no matter where they hide. We remain committed to protecting the public and ensuring the rule of law prevails,” Torre stated.
Arrangements for Pantollana’s deportation were finalized during a meeting on Tuesday at Soekarno-Hatta International Airport Terminal 2. He is scheduled to depart Indonesia at midnight Thursday and is expected to arrive in Manila at 5:50 a.m.
