POLICE ROUNDUP

Nerez: Crime, insurgency down in Cordillera Region

CAMP DANGWA, Benguet -- Criminality and insurgency are on a downtrend in the Cordillera.

Regional police director Chief Supt. Isagani R. Nerez, bared this saying effective programs and operations since January this year  resulted to positive results.

In the collective figures of all police blotters in the region duly validated by the Philippine National Police National Headquarters Directorate for Investigation and Detective Management (DIDM), even the most prevalent crimes decreased the last six months.

Physical injury cases during the same period last year totalled to 2,526. This year,however, there were only 2,007 physical injury cases.

For theft, last year's total of 2,582 decreased to 2,069 this year.

 On robbery from 628 cases last year, first six months police offices in the area recorded 514 cases for the same period this year.

 Records showed internal security operations (ISO) reportedly resulted  to big blow against communist insurgents, who before the operations also killed and wounded government forces and forced civilians of their food and other personal properties.

One insurgent leader Daniel Alunday of KLG Marco was killed while he and his group engaged the lawmen in a gunbattle.Two other rebel leaders were wounded and 13 surrendered.

The two arrested NPA guerillas and now under the custody of authorities were identified as CorsioGanima commanding officer of KLG Montes and Romando Reyes Eduarte, commanding officer/team leader of SPP-South Central operating in the area of Abra.

The age bracket of the NPAS guerillas confirmed the recent recruitment of youths by NPA leaders, Nerez said.

With the government-private partnership in war against illegal drugs problem, "Coplan Olive Leaf" serving as a long term local governments- regional police marijuana eradication campaign could stop marijuana cultivation in Kibungan and Bakun of Benguet and likewise in Tinglayan, Kalinga including Tinoc, Ifugao, Nerez said.

Like in the insurgency campaign where regional police had joint operations with the Armed Forces of the Philippines, the police team-up strategy in the area could further increase its anti-drug campaign, he said.

6 Cordi best PNP community relations awardees cited

CAMP DANGWA, La Trinidad, Benguet -- Regional police director Chief Supt. Isagani R. Nerez recognized six “best police community relations”  awardees Monday here with Peter A. Bautista, member of the Regional Advisory Council (RAC) as guest of honor and speaker.

The event was in relation to observance of 19th Police Community Relations (PCR) Month,

Bautista, with the regional director, gave plaque of recognition to PNP personnel and partner/units that made outstanding contributions to projects and programs of the police-community relations in Cordillera that contributed to decrease of crime.

Awarded were Mayor Roberto K. Canuto of Kapangan, Benguet as best PCR local chief executive; Senior Insp. Eddie B. Bagto, deputy chief of police of Bangued, Abra  police as Best PCR police commissioned officer of the year;  Police Officer 1 Jueves A. Saltin of Kapangan, Benguet  as Best PCR police non-commissioned officer of the year; Abra Provincial Police Office  as best PCR police provincial office of the year; Lagangilang, Abra  as best municipal police station and the Benguet Provincial Public Safety Company as best PCR MPS of the year.

Certificates of recognition were also awarded to PO3 Tessie Joy L. Angeles and police trainee Maria Antoinette Guinid for “high sense of professionalism and commitment.”

PRO-COR activities highlighted importance of improving goodwill,  relationship of PNP and community and police visibility especially in urban areas.

This year's theme of the celebration: "Matatag na Pagkakaisa ng Pambansang Pulisya at Mamamayan Tungo sa Kapayapaan at Kaunlaran."

Bautista said:  “The pen is stronger than the gun, which is a reminder to the PRO-COR personnel to improve their public image as a strategy of improving community relations as it affects the morale and welfare of the whole organization.”

Miner nabbed for illegal gun

BAGUIO CITY – Police arrested a private miner named Victor Pastor Dasi, 33, resident of Goldfield, Itogon, Benguet inside the Palangdao Building, Lakandula Street here Monday afternoon for failing to show any pertinent documents to support his firearm.

His homemade revolver handgun was confiscated.

Man fires gun in van; lands in jail 

ATOK, Benguet – a man was arrested for allegedly firing his gun at Km 44, Buhaw, Abiang, here while on board a public utility van coming from Buguias town,

Suspect Baldo Bicman Sabiano, 54, native of Km 44, Buhawand  resident of La Trinidad, Benguet was nabbed at a checkpoint at km 13, Acop, Caponga,Tublay town.

Confiscated from him was a Cal. 45 pistol.

Abra PNP busts gun-for-hire group

BANGUED, Abra- A gun for-hire group was busted Aug. 3 with the arrest of three persons for illegal possession of firearms during the intensified police operations against illegal activities recently.

Senior Supt. VirgilioLaya, PNP director, reported that through the implementation of numerous Search Warrants, three gun wielders were simultaneously arrested by the united elements of the Abra and Regional Intelligence personnel, Provincial Public Safety Company (PPSC), Special Action Force (SAF) and members of the San Juan Municipal Police Station (MPS).

 The arrest of the three came after Judge Raphiel F. Alzate of the Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 1 in Bangued,Abra issued the search warrants against Nestor Bergonia, Joel Bergoniaa.k.aOwek and Freddie Bergonia a.k.a Piding, who are all residents of Sitio Galoos, barangay Supiil, San Juan, Abra.

Seized in the quarters of Nestor Bergonia were one Cal. 30 Springfield M1 Garand rifle loaded with one clip of ammunition; seven clips with 58 rounds of ammunition and 11 clips all for Garand; one magazine for M16 loaded with 26 rounds of ammunition and bandolier.

In the residence of Joel Bergonia seized items were three bullets, magazine for Cal. 45; and 17 bullets for Cal. 5.56mm.

Seized from Freddie Bergonia a.k.a. Pidingwas ashotgun, said Laya.

 During the operation, Joel Bergonia, a known gun-for-hire was seen armed with a shotgun loaded with three rounds ammunition. Barangay officials of Sitio Galoos, barangay Supiil, San Juan, Abra witnessed the operation.

 The trio was locked up in jail and a case for Violation of the provisions of Republic Act (RA) 10591Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act was filed against them in court. -MydsSupnad 

Business agent taken in for physical injuries

BAGUIO CITY – A certain Jomarie Marohombsar, 24, buy and sell agent, of Quezon Hill Proper here was nabbed at the Kubo Eatery along Naguilian Road, Quezon Hill Proper Monday for slight physical injuries.

Judge Iluminada P. Cabatu of the RTC Branch 59 issued his arrest warrant.

Six Koreans collared for estafa

BAGUIO CITY -- Six Korean nationals collared for estafa last week.

Police identified them as: Kim Young Soo, 74; Fung Kwon Shim, 72; So Eon Ko, 71; Fung Ju Yang, 73; Sing Kil Lee, 71; and Moon Won Lee, 45.

All were all arrested at Nr.6 Moran Street, Queendom Condominium, Gibraltar here. Bail was set at P300,000 each.

More persons nabbed for various crimes

CAMP DANGWA, La Trinidad, Benguet – Police arrested more suspects for various crimes last week.

Dianne Ognayon Argayan, 25, of Puguis, La Trinidad, Benguet, was nabbed for parricide with no bail recommended.

Joel Alingba Pasigon alias “Jomar Pasigon”, 24, of Mana-an, Tinoc, Ifugao, for violation of Republic Act 9262 (Violence against women and children) with P80,000 bail set for his temporary liberty.

 Noel Dapli y Mangamti, 45, was arrested in his residence at Employees Village, Bulanao, Tabuk City, Kalinga for the same offense also for violation of RA 9262 with recommended bail of P24,000.

Rebel returnee Felix Temma Wagsingan, 54, farmer, and a resident of Sitio Sewat Allaguia, Pinukpuk, Kalinga, was arrested at Sewat Allaguia for arson with  a recommended bail of P60,000.

Abegail Cabusora Navalta, 35, former overseas worker, of  LopezJaena, Trancoville, Baguio City was also taken in for for violation of RA 4200 (Anti wire-tapping law).

Jeffrey Buyawe Panangon, 31, laborer, of Sitio Chuyong, barangay Chumang, Mayoyao, Ifugao was nabbed for carnapping with P34,000 recommended bail.

Florendo Tomas Esta, 32, laborer, of barangay Swan, Pudtol, Apayao was also nabbed for reckless imprudence resulting in  damage to property.

Last was Reizylyn Peralta Lehoc, 18, out of school youth, a resident along Asin Road, Baguio City, was arrested at  Justice Hall, Baguio for theft.

Itogon town miner arrested for theft

BAGUIO CITY -- Operatives of the City Intelligence Unit arrested Chester TayabSalio-an, 31, miner of Gumatdang, Itogon, Benguet, here along Abanao Street July 25.

The Regional Trial Court, Branch 3, Baguio City issued arrest warrant against Salio-an for theft.

Accountant, couple, five others nabbed for estafa

BAGUIO CITY – Police arrested an accountant in nearby La Trinidad, Benguet, a couple and five others for estafa last week. 

The accountant was  identified as Tyreen Batingines Bistoguey, 48,  resident of Dizon Subdivision here

A warrant for her arrest was earlier issued by the Municipal Trial Circuit Court City.

Bistoguey was arrested July 29 at km 6 in La Trinidad.

Meanwhile, judges Lorna Navarro Domingo of the Regional Trial Court, Branch 201, Las Pinas City and Emmanuel Cacho Rasing of  RTC Branch 3, Baguio City recommended bail  P160,000 for the arrested couple.

They were identified as Bugner Ortiz Barsanaa.k.a "BJ", 31, and Maria Brenda Nunez Barsana, 38, both self-employed and residents of Upper Quezon Hill, Baguio City.

Five persons were also jailed her for estafa and illegal recruitment last week.

Police identified them as Felix Bangcawayan Galacyan, 33, of Lubas, La Trinidad, Benguet and Jerome Atam Oide, both with P40,000 bail.

Also arrested were Maria Caburian Araos, 52,Verqel Orinion Araos, 54, both fish vendors and a residents of Purok 22, San Carlos Heights, Baguio City and Salve Ramirez, aka Rizzerfina Ramos, 44, businesswoman and resident of Upper Quezon Hill, Baguio City.

No bail set for driver nabbed for illegal logging

TUBLAY, Benguet -- Provincial police director Senior Supt. Rodolfo Azurin said a certain Jerry Chilan Flores, 43, driver, and  resident of Km. 6 Green Valley, Dontogan, Baguio City was arrested by Tublay, Benguet police in the town June 26. 

Judge Edgardo B. Diaz De Rivera Jr. of the Regional Trial Court  Branch 10, La Trinidad recommended no bail for illegal logging charges levelled against Flores.

P120,000 bail set for man in violence case

MANKAYAN, Benguet -- A certain Melchor Sayud Caligtan, 45, of Patpat, Tabio here was arrested at Cruz, Lepanto, Paco in this town July 29 for violation of Republic Act 9262 (Violence against women and children.

The RTC of Buguias, Benguet recommended bail of P 120,000.00 for his temporary liberty.

Kalinga farmer arrested in Isabela for attempted homicide

RIZAL, Kalinga -- Provincial police director Senior Supt. Victor Wanchakan said Regienald Bassig Domingo, 30, farmer and  resident of Santor, Rizal town in the province was nabbed July 28 in Barangay Olango, Mallig, Isabela for attempted homicide.

A warrant for his arrest was issued by the 3rd MCTC of Pinukpuk-Rizal Pinukpuk, Kalinga.

Eight land in jail for theft

BAGUIO CITY -- Eight men were arrested for theft here last week.

Police identified them as Jomar Ampoc Velasco, 24; Jessie Ampoc Velasco, 21; Elmer Velasco Sanchez, 28; Dexter Abella Velasco, 23;  FlorentinoAbella Velasco, 29 all miners and Florencio Velasco Sanchez, 32, farmer, all natives of Remedios, Cervantes, Ilocos Sur and at present residing at Purok 15, Irisan Baguio City.

Also arrersted was Joseph Daniel Flores, 20, of Purok 5, Upper Fairview, Baguio City; and Ryan Malannag Dona-al, 24, of Nambaran, Tabuk City, Kalinga.

Illegal logs confiscated; vehicle impounded 

CAMP DANGWA, Benguet – Police scored once again against illegal logging in the Cordillera last week.

In Tabuk City, police impounded a green L300 van with license plate number UUF 959 loaded with illegally sawn narra lumber found abandoned at Purok 5, Bulanao Monday night.

Said vehicle was brought to the Tabuk Environment office for  documentation safekeeping.

Meawhile, Flora, Apayao and Environment personnel recovered 400 board feet of abandoned tanguile lumber worth P5,600.00 along the barangay road of Balasi, Flora, Apayao also Monday night.

In Buguias, Benguet, police recovered 80 pieces of illegally sawn pine lumber worth P13, 490.00 abandoned at Sitio Panig-an, Barangay Sebang in the town night of August 8.

Other wanted persons land in jail

CAMP DANGWA, la Trinidad, Benguet – Police arrested other wanted persons in the Cordillera last week.

They were identified as Rogelio Agurin Salingbay, 51, of Masablang, Tabuk City, for attempted murder with a recommended bail of P120,000.00; Rodney Simangen Reyes, 41, former municipal councilor of Lacub, Abra, who was arrested in his residence in Poblacion, Lacub, Abra for rape; Raissa T. Francisco, 28, waitress, of San Jose Del Monte, Bulacan, for Violation of Republic Act 9208 and RA 7610;  Mario Martin Lagrio, 49, fisherman, of Purok Star Lily, Cawagayan, Pinukpuk, Kalinga  for acts of lasciviousness; Milagros Bantag Dugenia, 51, of Poblacion, Kasibu, Nueva Vizcaya, for violation large scale illegal recruitment and  Jackylyn Rafael aka "Imely Emperador", aka "Imely C. Moina" aka "Leticia Salmorin, 43, businesswoman of Sto. Tomas Proper, Baguio City, for violation of Revised Penal Code with  recommended bail of P 50,000.

Also arrested were Lunicio Poskio Sacpa, 46,  member of the Alpha Coy, CAA, 77th IB, 5th ID, Philippine Army, for violation of Presidential Decree 705; Danilo Tacay Tan, 53, of Lopez Jaena, Aurora Hill, Baguio City, for iIlegal gambling,  Jason Mat-an Lamsis, 29, of Upper Poblacion, Tuba, Benguet, for serious physical injuries; Rene Villacentino Lajera, 33, farmer, of Barangay San Juan, Alfonso Lista, Ifugao, for reckless imprudence resulting  to multiple physical injuries and Reynon Bumugas Changlapon, 31, of Calanan, Tabuk City, Kalinga for physical injuries.

Also nabbed were Denver Bohol Palgue, 35, driver, of Irisan, Baguio City for reckless imprudence resulting to damage to property with recommended bail of P52,000.

“We must continue our excellent performance in arresting all wanted persons and make headway on anti-crime operations to better serve and protect our people and make our region the safest place to live and do business” said regional police director, Chief Supt. Isagani Nerez said.