Ilocos PNP nabs 9 PAG members, 22 trike riders

By Mydz Supnad

VIGAN CITY, Ilocos Sur- Regional police director chief Supt. Franklin Jesus B. Bucayu, has ordered his men to intensify campaign against motorcycle-riding criminals and private armed groups (PAGs) operating in Region 1 as part of the preparation for the 2013 elections.

Bucayu said regional police has upped campaign to identify and arrest of riding-in-tandem criminal and PAG members.

 Based on report, from January to June this year 22 riding-in-tandem criminals have been arrested.

 Bucayu said checkpoints have been established to strictly implement the Anti-Helmet Law.

Most if not all hired killers are using helmets to hide their identities.

 “We have also deployed motorcycle-riding operatives to go after unregistered and stolen motorcycles,” Bucayu said.

Meanwhile, nine PAG members have been arrested, Bucayu said.

He added the Armed Forces of the Philippines- Northern Luzon Command and PRO1 created a committee against PAGs in partnership with local government units to dismantle PAGs in the region.

As a result of collaboration, Ilocos Norte Gov. Imee R. Marcos issued Executive Order Number 22-10 that constituted the Provincial Anti-Private Armed Group Task Force to dismantle PAGs in the province.

“A resolution on this matter will also be endorsed by the Regional Peace Order Council Region 1 to provincial governors for adaption of said EO,” Bucayu added.