Ilocos Region’s most wanted person arrested in Aurora

By Christian D. Supnad

CANDON CITY, Ilocos Sur -- The most wanted person in the Ilocos Region, the head of a criminal syndicate operating in northern Luzon who was accused of double murder was arrested Wednesday in Barangay Punglo, Aurora province.

A police report said operatives from different police units captured the fugitive in as special operation where he sought refuge right after committing the crime in this city.

Chief Insp. Arbel Mercullo, chief of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group in Ilocos Sur, identified the fugitive as Benson Alviento of Barangay Paypayad, Candon.

Mecullo said that Alviento was facing string of cases including illegal possession of firearms.

Alviento’s arrest came after Judge Gabino Balbin of Regional Trial Court in Candon issued the warrant for his arrest.

He said Alviento carried a P250, 000 reward for his capture as directed by the Department of Interior and Local Government.

Newsmen said wanted persons with huge rewards were easily arrested.