Malacañang clarified that fugitive Cassandra Ong has not left the country, based on information from the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG).
In a press briefing on Tuesday, December 2, Palace Press Officer and PCO Usec. Claire Castro said they sought DILG’s latest findings on Ong’s whereabouts.
“Actually humingi po tayo ng response mula sa DILG at ang sabi po sa kasalukuyan, base sa kanilang record, nasa Pilipinas pa po si Miss Cassandra Ong,” Castro said.
Authorities continue the search as Ong is considered a fugitive due to an outstanding arrest warrant.
“Patuloy pa rin po ang paghahanap sa kaniya dahil nga siya po ay tinatawag na fugitive dahil may warrant of arrest na po,” she added.
Castro urged the public to report any sightings of Ong.
“Kung sino man din po sa mga kababayan natin ang makakakita kay Cassandra Ong, ipagbigay-alam din po agad sa ating law enforcement agencies para magampanan din po ang pagse-serve ng warrant of arrest sa kaniya,” she said.
She noted that the government is taking a similar approach in tracking down former Ako Bicol Representative Zaldy Co. Castro said public cooperation—big or small—can help locate fugitives.
“Sa lahat ng mga pagkakataon, sa lahat ng maaaring gawing paraan, maliit [o] malaki na tulong, makakatulong po ‘yan sa gobyerno para mahanap ang mga fugitives,” she added.
Senator Win Gatchalian earlier disclosed that Ong—linked to illegal POGO operations—has long evaded detention. The Department of Justice (DOJ) has since offered a ₱1-million reward for information that is “credible” and “actionable.”