Tawi-tawi: Police are tightening security in Tawi-Tawi to stop high-profile fugitives from fleeing through 'backdoor exits.' Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. stated that he ordered provincial police to increase their presence in areas allegedly used as escape routes.

According to Philippines News Agency, Nartatez emphasized the strategic importance of securing borders to prevent fugitives and law offenders from avoiding justice. He mentioned that the PNP, in collaboration with other agencies, has identified these routes and plans to deploy additional personnel and resources to these critical areas.

Nartatez also noted that intelligence efforts are being enhanced in response to directives from President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla. The focus is on strengthening inter-agency coordination to secure critical entry and exit points.

Bureau of Immigration Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado previously highlighted the challenges of monitoring Tawi-Tawi due to its proximity to Malaysia. The province is reportedly a known route for those attempting to evade justice.

There have been allegations that former Bamban, Tarlac mayor Alice Guo and former Negros Oriental representative Arnolfo Teves Jr. have utilized these backdoor exits. Authorities also indicated that businessman Atong Ang, linked to the missing sabungeros case, might have used this route if he has left the country.

Nartatez reiterated the PNP's commitment to collaborating with other law enforcement agencies, particularly the Bureau of Immigration and the Armed Forces of the Philippines, to prevent individuals from using these backdoor exits to escape.