POLICE ROUNDUP

 Abra health worker wounded in gun attack

DOLORES, Abra — A barangay health worker was wounded in a gun attack here on Tuesday.

Ana Maria Macapagat, 45, of Barangay Cabaroan, was in a tricycle on her way home after her duty at the task force on the COVID-19 disease in the village when she was shot at past 5 p.m.

The tricycle driver, an unidentified barangay councilman, was unhurt.

Brig. Gen. R’win Pagkalinawan, Cordillera police director, said they are investigating the incident, the first attack against a health worker in the region.

The Department of Health had condemned attacks, discrimination and harassment against health workers, noting that they help the country survive the COVID-19 pandemic.

Aide of former Ilocos Sur town mayor found dead

By Liezle Basa Inigo

STO. DOMINGO, Ilocos Sur — An aide of former Mayor Lito Tadena of Ilocos Sur was  found dead in here Thursday in Barangay Vacunero.

Police Regional Office 1 said victim John Paul Oliveros, single, a resident of Barangay Nambaran and a caretaker of TAD marketing, was found lifeless with a rope tied around his neck hanging at the backyard of their office.

Oliveros was discovered Wednesday by his companion Edwin Manuel Ramos de la Isla, 60, also a former aide to the mayor.

The victim’s co-workers said Oliveros did not mention any problem to them that could have led to his suicide.

Prior to the incident, the victim allegedly just kept to himself most of the time.

12 drug suspects nabbed in Bulacan

By Freddie Velez

CAMP GENERAL ALEJO SANTOS, Bulacan –Twelve drug suspects were arrested in different anti-illegal drugs operations conducted by authorities in this province.

Acting Bulacan Police Director Colonel Lawrence B., Cajipe identified the suspects who were arrested in the series of drug stings in towns of Plaridel, Sta Maria, San Miguel, and cities of San Jose Del Monte and Malolos as Rolando Domingo Bernabe alias “Negro” and Rachel Dimla Punzalan, both included in the drug watchlist of Plaridel; Crisanta Adarne Oliva; Mary Jane Januario Regalario and Mark Estrella Diaz Gregory.

Other arrested were Jeffrey Francisco Paulino, surrendered formerly in the “ Oplan Tokhang of San Miguel ; Leo Mayang Gonzales; Ronnie Esguerra Pallis; Marlon Cresola Jardin; Jerome Azucena Chua; Felix Galibot Salvador and Crismary Joyce Dela Cruz Moralita.

Police said they confiscated a total of 46 heat-sealed sachets of shabu, a cell phone, buy-bust money, and assorted drug paraphernalia.

The arrested suspects and seized pieces of evidence were brought to the Bulacan Crime Laboratory, while appropriate criminal charges were being readied against them.

Pangasinan cop relieved for punching curfew violators

By Eva Visperas

SAN JACINTO, Pangasinan — A police officer was relieved from his post after a video showing him punching and slapping curfew violators went viral.

Col. Redrico Maranan, Pangasinan police director, relieved S/Sgt. Michael Abauag on Tuesday, two days after the incident.

Capt. Oliver Baniqued, town police chief, was relieved based on the doctrine of command responsibility.

Maranan said investigation showed barangay officials sought police assistance when the suspects, who were caught drinking liquor along a street, resisted arrest.

Abauag reportedly punched the suspects when they were brought at the police station.

Maranan said an inquiry is ongoing to determine if there was failure of leadership on the part of Baniqued.

Philippine National Police deputy chief for operations Lt. Gen. Guillermo Eleazar had earlier said there would be no arrest and physical punishment for curfew violators while the enhanced community quarantine is being implemented.

Eleazar said violators would face charges once the quarantine is lifted.

Trader arrested for overpriced alcohol

By Raymund Catindig

TUGUEGARAO CITY, Cagayan — A grocery store owner was arrested for selling bottles of alcohol above the suggested retail price (SRP) imposed by the government in Piat, Cagayan on April 4. 

Aside from violating the SRP code, Irene Francisco, 38, is facing investigation for allegedly hoarding 69 gallons of ethyl alcohol that were found in her storage room, according to Col. Ariel Quilang, chief of the Cagayan police.

Four others were arrested for committing the same offense in the nearby town of Tuao as well as in Aurora in Isabela, police said.