Manila, March 27 -- The Philippine National Police (PNP) has launched an investigation after reports emerged that a Chinese fugitive arrested in Makati City for telecom fraud was allegedly shielded by armed individuals, including an active police officer and a military reservist.

"This is very concerning that an active police officer is allegedly involved in protecting a fugitive," PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said in a statement Friday.

"This is a clear betrayal of public trust if proven. Hindi natin kukunsintihin ang kahit sinong pulis na sangkot sa kriminal na aktibidad (We will not tolerate police officers' involvement in criminal activities)."

Nartatez said the PNP has already initiated an investigation in coordinatio...