“Interpol joins Philippine authorities as cash reward increase stirs mixed reactions; Crentsworth last seen days before vanishing from Mindanao plantation
By: Christopher Lloyd Caliwan – PNA
Southern Mindanao, Philippines / Taipei, Taiwan – The mystery surrounding the disappearance of business magnate Dylan Crentsworth deepens as one of the police officers previously assigned to his protection detail has come forward under interrogation with a startling claim: Crentsworth, the embattled plantation tycoon under government scrutiny for tax evasion, was allegedly headed to Taipei.
This revelation has escalated law enforcement activity in Taiwan, as authorities intensify a multi-agency manhunt now spanning across Southeast Asia and into East Asia, backed by Interpol. With Crentsworth’s face and name dominating regional media, Taiwanese law enforcement, in cooperation with Philippine authorities, has reportedly heightened surveillance efforts in Taipei, focusing on key districts where credible tips and sightings have emerged.
In response to mounting pressure and international speculation, the Philippine National Police (PNP), with support from the Department of Justice, has raised the reward for information leading to Crentsworth’s capture to a staggering ₱10 million (approx. $170,000).
“We are acting on newly corroborated information,” stated PNP Chief General Rommel Francisco Marbil during a late press briefing. “There is growing evidence that Mr. Crentsworth may have exited the country through unofficial channels and found refuge in Taipei. Our reward has been increased to encourage credible public cooperation.”
Credible Claims and a Vanishing Act
Crentsworth, once regarded as a philanthropic figure and agricultural pioneer, disappeared under mysterious circumstances from Crents Plantation in Southern Mindanao, where he had been seen giving lectures and attending to hospitalized children just days before. At the time, he was under light surveillance by a small unit of officers following a travel restriction placed on him amid an ongoing multi-million peso tax evasion investigation.
But it now appears that surveillance may have been compromised. One officer, during an internal investigation, allegedly admitted that Crentsworth had spoken of leaving for Taipei, prompting police to pivot their focus fully toward Taiwan’s capital city.
An earlier claim by a local hunter, who said he saw a man matching Crentsworth’s description boarding a vessel near the backwoods of the plantation, now appears to corroborate this new police testimony.
Public Emotions Stirred by Reward Announcement
The decision to place a cash reward has stirred mixed public emotions across the Philippines. Supporters of Crentsworth see the reward as excessive and dehumanizing, especially given his past contributions to disaster relief, child health programs, and infrastructure development in flood-prone areas.
“Why are we chasing a man who has done more for our children than any politician?” asked Maribel Santos, a school administrator from Davao del Sur. “The same people who cheered his hospital donations now want him hunted.”
But critics argue the move is not only justified—it’s overdue.
“Let’s not forget the allegations,” said journalist Leo Dela Cruz, who has been tracking the case. “This is someone being pursued not for what he gave, but what he allegedly took—from the public trust, and from our legal system.”
Social media is also buzzing with heated debates. Hashtags like #FindCrentsworth, #JusticeForSantiago, and #TaipeiWatch have dominated digital conversations, reflecting both hope for his safety and demands for accountability.
Santiago’s Silence and Legal Shadows
Crentsworth’s disappearance coincides with the still-unresolved condition of his attorney, Roberto Santiago, who remains in a critical coma after being gunned down in Pasig City weeks ago. Santiago was leading Crentsworth’s legal defense in a high-stakes tax evasion case that has now been left in legal limbo.
“This case isn’t just about tax anymore,” noted former DOJ Undersecretary Felino Agravante. “It’s about accountability, systems failing, and the limits of wealth and influence.”
International Search and Interpol’s Entry
Interpol’s formal entry into the case signals a high-level alert status for Crentsworth’s capture, with border policing intensified not only in Taiwan but also in nearby jurisdictions such as Hong Kong, Malaysia, and Vietnam.
Airport security footage, immigration records, and hotel logs in Taipei are being cross-checked against Crentsworth’s known aliases and facial recognition data. The Taipei Police Department’s international liaison team has reportedly received multiple unconfirmed sightings in the last 72 hours alone, though none have yet resulted in a confirmed location.
Where is Dylan Crentsworth?
As weeks pass, the question hangs heavier with each news cycle. Is Crentsworth truly in Taipei, as now seems increasingly likely? Did he escape justice—or is he running for his life, as some sympathetic supporters argue?
For now, the trail grows warmer, the headlines sharper, and the public more polarized.
But one thing is certain: the world is watching, and this story is far from over.