Abra private army boss, aide, nabbed

CAMP DANGWA, La Trinidad, Benguet – Police operatives and intelligence agents successfully arrested a wanted top leader of a private armed group (PAG) in Abra and his henchman during an operation in Barangay Santolan, Pasig City Nov. 15.

Chief Supt. Benjamin B Magalong, regional police chief identified the arrested person as Prudencio Britanico, Jr, 41, of Barangay Quilliat, Langiden, Abra.

Britanico was reportedly the leader of the Britanico Private Armed Group.

He was want4ed for wanted for two murder cases in 2001  and 2011 and a frustrated murder case early this year.

Also arrested was the alleged henchman of Britanico, identified as Robert Villastiqui, alias “Ubeng,” of Sitio Soquib, Lubong, Bangued, Abra his alleged henchman, who is facing six counts of attempted homicide, one rape, one homicide and two cases of illegal possession of firearms.

  

Both wanted persons were arrested by elements of the Abra Provincial Intelligence Branch under the supervision of their provincial director Senior Supt. Alexander DG Rafael, in coordination with Pasig City Police Office, by virtue of a series of warrants of arrest issued by Judge Corpuz Alzate of the Regional Trial Court Branch 1 of Bangued, Abra.

Recovered from their possession during the arrest were an Ingram 9mm sub-machine pistol marked as “Shooters X9 Para” and five (5) assorted vehicle plate numbers.

  

In a related development, Punong Barangay Virgilio Gunnawa of Bulanao Centro, Tabuk City, Kalinga, turned over to Magalong four firearms during simple ceremonies held recently at the Kalinga Provincial Police Office conference room.

 The turnover ceremony was witnessed by Gov. Jocel C. Baac and Tabuk City Mayor Ferdinand Tubban.

Magalong disclosed that the surrendered firearms were composed of 2 M-16 rifles, 12 gauge shotgun, and a Cal .22 AK 47 model.

At the same time, Gov. Baac turned over to Magalong and provincial police a newly purchased patrol car, a Nissan Bravado, donated by the provincial government to the local police force to enhance patrol operations.