FBI cites P’sinan cops for US lawyer’s arrest

STA. BARBARA, Pangasinan — The Federal Bureau of Investigation cited Pangasinan policemen led by Senior Supt. Percival Barba for the arrest of an American fugitive who has long been wanted by US authorities.

During a recent awarding ceremony held here, the FBI represented by Jim Nixon gave special commendation to Supt. Harris Fama, graduate of the FBI Academy and incumbent chief of police of Lingayen police office; Supt. Eric Noble, Sta. Barbara chief of police, and other personnel of the Pangasinan Provincial Police Office.

They were commended for the arrest of American fugitive Joseph Arriola, 42, American lawyer who was indicted for various non-bailable offenses in the United States, including multiple counts of wire fraud and money laundering.

Arriola left the US two years ago to evade arrest and hid in the Philippines, said Chief Supt. Ramon V. Gatan, Region 1 police director.

Before the arrest of Arriola, the FBI, through the US Embassy, contacted Colonel Fama who was informed about a report that Arriola was sighted in Pangasinan where he had sought refuge following the issuance in the US of a warrant of arrest against him. Immediately, Fama informed his superior, Colonel Barba, about the operation.

After conducting intelligence gathering, elements of the Santa Barbara police station and the Pangasinan PPO arrested the American lawyer in the house of his girlfriend Julie Cerveza in Barangay Botao, Santa Barbara. – Mar T. Supnad