16 organized crime mafia members in Ilocos arrested

By Myds Supnad

SAN FERNANDO CITY, La Union -- A total of 16 members of criminal groups were recently arrested or surrendered in Ilocos Sur, Chief Supt. Ricardo C. Marquez, Ilocos police director revealed.

The director said in latest case, elements of Regional Special Operations Task Group, Criminal Investigation and Detection Group and
Ilocos Sur police implemented search warrant issued by Judge Nida Alejandro of Regional Trial Court of Vigan City against Jofel Reton, an alleged member of “Sinco Group,” in TurodPatac, Cabugao, Ilocos Sur that resulted to his arrest and confiscation of one hand grenade.

Marquez added members of Patron Group, a crime group, identified as Dionisio Patron, Ernesto Patron and RosendoPilaralso voluntarily submitted themselves to Ilocos Sur Police Office.

They were turned in by Vice Mayor Peredo of Bantay, Ilocos Sur.

The group also surrendered a shotgun, one Cal. .22 revolver and a homemade pistolized 7.62.

The surrenderees with the confiscated items were brought to CIDG Ilocos Sur for disposition.

Supt. Sterling Raymund P. Blanco, newly-designated Chief of Regional Intelligence Division said although the members of Patron Group submitted themselves, they would still be closely monitored by lawmen even as a case for illegal possession of explosives was filed against Reton.

Marquez reported that since Jan. 1 to date, RID and RSOTG Ilocos Sur operations resulted to seven surrenders, arrest of four criminals and seizure of 22 firearms.