POLICE ROUNDUP

Complaint filed vs arrogant PRA exec over traffic tiff

BAGUIO CITY- A high ranking official of the Philippine Retirement Authority – Cordillera is now in hot water after a complain t was filed against him for allegedly hitting a  taxi driver.

The incident was allegedly witnessed by a Philippine Daily Inquirer photographer who also said he was bullied himself by the apparently drunk official.

Edgardo Espiritu, 52, a photojournalist and former board of director of the Philippine Press Photographers (PPP), sought police investigators at the Baguio City police station 10 along Marcos Highway, alleging that  PRA officer-in-charge Frederick Pati, 38,  punched taxi driver Alexi John Oller, 36,  during a traffic altercation along SLU-SVP Old Site Village in Bakakeng, here.

Espiritu said the incident took place night of June 22  when  he was onboard  Oller's taxi cab, which was going downhill, and met along the way the white goverment-issued and heavily-tinted van , which was going uphill.

The two-way barangay road was filled with parked vehicles, Espiritu said, causing heavy traffic in the area.

Espiritu said he  alighted from the taxi to relay the taxi driver’s plea to put on low beam the van’s headlight because the taxi driver could no longer see his way. 

Irked, Pati began to flaunt that the van had a “red plate”(SHT 112), indicating that it was government-owned.

The PRA official then got out of the van and continued shouting invectives at Espiritu and eventually said, “Anoba gusto mo?” 

Shocked, the photographer backed off from the argument and noted the van's plate number.

“Hindi ko alam bakit ako ang minura, ” Espiritu said as he alighted from the taxicab.

Oller filed a complaint at the station 10 of the Baguio City police along Marcos Highway the next day, saying  he was grabbed from his cab and was punched.

Espiritu said he also logged in a complaint at the same police station’s blotter, and said he will also file a complaint with the Civil Service Commission against Pati.

The photographer said Pati has been trying to make amends and apologize  to him.

Pati said he was already “castigated by retired police general Edgardo Aglipay for his actions.”  

He added that he has apologized to Espiritu and Oller. 

Thieves strike in Cordillera

LA TRINIDAD, Benguet - More robbery cases have been reported in the region.

On Tuesday, the Rural Health Unit in Paracelis in Mountain Province was robbed of its two desktop computer monitors, a digital camera and one laptop.

Police said thieves broke into the records section of the office in Magawod, Bantay, Paracelis around 11 p.m. on June 25, and carted away with the items estimated to be worth P51,000.

The thieves broke the doorknob of the records office where the items were kept, the Cordillera police said.

Also on that same day, in Trinidad, capital of Benguet province, a dental clinic and a cosmetic store were broken into by thieves carting away two laptops worth P40,000 and P60,000 cash and an ATM card.

Dr. Jerome del Rosario, owner of the dental clinic,  reported to the police that robbers cut off the grills of a window at the back of the building to gain entry at his dental clinic and the cosmetic store of a certain Jenny Laweng.

Del Rosario however said the thieves got nothing from his dental clinic.

On the next day, in Baguio City,  three students lost their laptops to thieves when they went to their classes leaving the items in their apartment rooms.

A 17-year-old student said he lost his P21,000-worth laptop while Jordan Barcarse, 18,  also lost his P26,000 worth laptop. Another victim, 19-year-old Brice Kevin Valerio lost his P400 allowance.

Thieves reportedly took advantage when  the victims were  in their classes. The suspects used hard objects or similar tools and forcibly opened  the main door and destroyed the hasps of their rooms.

Also on that same day in Polo Field in Navy Base barangay in Baguio City, 52-year-old NaomeAlipio’s house was broken into by thieves using a bolt cutter and carted away a P20,00-worth laptop, P25,000-worth flat screen TV and her wallet containing P1,000.  

Flower grower in Baguio nabbed over marijuana delivery

BAGUIO CITY-- A flower grower, suspected of acting as a middleman between marijuana suppliers in Benguet province and marijuana distributors in Baguio City, was arrested here afternoon of June 19.

PDEA-Cordillera named the  suspect as Florentino Miguel Pigganto, 28, a  flower-grower or farmer who hails from Impugong, Tinoc town, Ifugao, but has since lived in Atok Mines and Sabkil, in Itogon, Benguet.

Sixteen large blocks of dried marijuana fruiting tops, each comprising three thinner blocks, were delivered by Pigganto to an agent of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency – Cordillera Administrative Region who posed as buyer in the sting operation.

The seized marijuana blocks weighed 44.36 kilos and was valued at about  P2.44 million.   

These were wrapped in newspaper, further bound in a tan-colored packaging tape and placed in two large, printed sack bags, said PDEA spokesperson Emily Fama.

Pigganto is facing a case for illegal drugs.

Gun-for-hire-pusher nabbed in Abra town

BANGUED, Abra – An alleged gun-for-hire and a female companion were nabbed here June 20 around 10 a.m. by police.

Senior Supt. Benjamin M. Lusad, provincial police director identified the suspects as as  Jonathan Cordova Bosque, 32,  of Barangay, Baac, Langiden town and  PrescillaAlgarne Bosque, 31, an overseas Filipino worker and a resident of Barangay San Antonio, Bangued.

Lusad said Bosque was listed as “No. 2 drug personality and gun-for-hire in Abra.”

Bangued police reportedly received a phone call that an armed male person carrying a gun on board a motorcycle without plate number was on its way to Bangued proper.

This prompted Bangued police and Abra Provincial Public Safety Company elements to intercept the suspects in San Antonio.

Found in their possession were a Cal. 45 pistol with a  magazine loaded with seven bullets, “shabu” and a sachet of dried marijuana leaves found inside the compartment of the suspect’s motorcycle. 

The pieces of evidence were brought to the Bangued police station while suspects were charged for illegal drugs.

This, as the sixth top most wanted person in Lagayan, Abra identified as Rodolfo Belmonte Garcia, 61, of Sitio Baybayatin, Barangay Collago in the town was arrested for violation of the gun ban law.

Garcia was arrested in his residence on June 21 following a warrant issued for his arrest by Judge Corpuz B. Alzate of Regional Trial Courtwho recommended bail bond of P 80,000.

Student stabbed along Session Road

BAGUIO CITY – A student was confined at a hospital here after he was mauled and stabbed by seven unidentified persons on June 11.   

Police identified the victim as Troy Simbajon, 18 here of  Marcos Highway. 

Investigation disclosed the victim was walking alone at Upper Session Road, Engineer’s Hill around 9:45 p.m. when he met a group who mauled and stabbed him on the left portion of his buttocks and right back portion of his body.

The perpetrators later ran towards North Drive after the incident while Simbajon was later was brought by a friend to the hospital for treatment.

2 men on trike elude checkpoint, throw away 7 kilos marijuana  

TINGLAYAN, Kalinga – Police led by Insp. Edward Liclic were manning a checkpoint along the national road here in SitioFuyfoyan, BarangayAmbato when two unidentified male persons riding a motorcycle suddenly made a U-turn and sped off to evade the checkpoint.

The two men threw a bag some 100 meters away. Police officers later checked its contents and found seven marijuana bricks around 7 kg.

The illegal drugs were taken to the local police station while identity of the two men is still being ascertained. 

Teener mauled by 6 men

LA TRINIDAD, Benguet – A man was mauled here by six unidentified men about 6:45 p.m. on June 10 while walking on the sidewalk along the Trading Post here. 

               

Police identified the victim as RodelNabe, 19, of Buguias, Benguet and resident of Pico, La Trinidad, Benguet who reported personally at the town police station what happened to him.

               

Accordingly, at about 6:30 p.m. while he was walking on the sidewalk, he accidentally bumped a man so he apologized.

After a while, the man called for his fellow Muslim vendors and aided one another in mauling him.

Nabe said he was not able to recognize any of his attackers and refused to undergo medico-legal examination. 

     

Two holduppers shoot 2 victims in shooting spree

TABUK CITY – A young lady was shot and critically injured while when she, along with a male companion was held up by two men around 10 p.m. on June 10, at Hilltop, Purok 6, Bulanao.

Police identified victims as Maryjoy Shagan, 19, of Asibanglan, Pinukpuk and Medard Dammog, 20 of Hilltop. Investigation disclosed that the two victims Shagan and Medard were held up at the unlighted part of the road going to the Employees Village by two men with a Cal. 45 pistol.

 After divesting the victims of their personal belongings, the suspects shot Shagan at close range hitting her jaw, then the perpetrators fled south.

Sagan was later brought unconscious to a hospital.

Along their escaped route, suspects saw Garry Dumallay,  23, and Mark Adora both resident of Purok 6, Bulanao standing at the dark part of the road.

The robbers shot Dumallay hitting his left knee. Dumally was immediately rushed by their relatives to Kalinga Provincial Hospital for medical treatment.

Police ran after the thieves but they were nowhere to be found.

Two fired empty slugs were recovered from the crime scenes.

Thieves forcibly take lady’s cellphone, P1,000   

LA TRINIDAD, Benguet – Two unidentified males robbed a certain Jovelyn Yogawen, 23 of Barangay Betag here June 16 around 1 a.m. and took here cellphone and P1,000 cash.

Police said the victim was walking on her way home when she saw the perpetrators heading towards here from opposite direction.

One of the suspects suddenly choked her while his fellow thief took her cell phone and cash from her pocket.

Suspects fled after the incident.

Cordillera cops arrest murder suspects

BANGUED, Abra – Seven wanted persons were recently arrested by police in the region.

An 18- year old jobless man was nabbed inside the Don Quintin Paredes Hall of Justice here, identified as Rommel Soriano, for murder with no bail recommended.

Also arrested in their respective residences in Zone 7, Bangued were Sonny Sonny Caliagan Gumano and Ronnel Alberto Caṅete, 20, both charged for malicious mischief.

In Sallapadan, town, Jeron Gandeza Damian was arrested for reckless imprudence resulting to serious physical injuries.

In Benguet, La Trinidad police arrested Romy Gacayan for robbery with violence and intimidation with bail of P100, 000.

In Barangay Kesbeng, also in Trinidad, Chariston Anton Oyas, 35, of Parapad, Ambiong, also in La Trinidad was arrested for grave threats with a recommended bail bond of P12, 000.00. 

In Ifugao, two wanted persons identified as Elvin Bulayo, 26,  ofBolar, Duit, Kiangan town was charged for frustrated murder while a 16- year old minor,of Sitio Agaban, Amduntog Asipulo, was charged for rape.

4 farmers hit by lightning injured

LAOAG CITY, Ilocos Norte — Lightning struck a ricefield in Barangay Sagpat, Dingras, Ilocos Norte June 16 injuring four people – one of them critically, police said.

Police gathered from one Susan Calano that her cousin, Edgar Palanggoy, was about to plant rice seedlings with his three companions when lightning struck and caused them all to fall on the ground.

They were all taken to the Gov. RoqueAblan Sr. Memorial Hospital, here, where Palanggoy was seen with injuries in the head, chest, and feet. He remained unconscious as of press time.-- Freddie G. Lazaro

Missing fishermen saved 

CANDON CITY, Ilocos Sur — Eight fishermen from Bolinao, Pangasinan who went missing in high seas since June 12 were rescued afternoon of June 16 by the Philippine Coast Guard in waters off Candon.

Rescued on board their 14-ton fishing boat were “Jomar Hurvey” as Arnel Gohilde, the boat operator, and his crew Eddie Oribia, Ryan Lebios, Jerick Puda, Albin Puda, Norman Calicdan, Gringo Gagarao, and Rene Lebios.

Their boat had been adrift since encountering engine trouble.

Waiter shot dead at waiting shed

BAGUIO CITY -- A waiter was shot dead by a still while waiting for his friends at a waiting shed at Barangay Gibraltar here around 10:50 p.m. of June 7.

              

The victim was identified as Ricky M. Orlanda 24, waiter, residing here at Ali House of Shawarma,  UpperPias, Camp 7, Kennon Rd.

Investigation revealed that the victim and company came from a birthday party at Gibraltar after which they decided to go home on foot.

While at the waiting shed waiting for one of their companions a gunshot was heard hitting the victim at the back portion of his body.

The victim was rushed to a city hospital wehre he was pronounced dead around 12:45 am. of June 8, by Dr. Paul L. Ponadon.

Responding police personnel scoured the area for the gunman but it proved futile.

Canteen robbed of P12,000, valuables

BAGUIO CITY – The Roxas Elementary School Canteen here at Barangay Sto. Rosario was robbed of P12,000 and a computer hard driver worth P3,000 around night of June 6.

Proprietor Jeroth T. Montero, 30, married, told police around 4:30 p.m. that day, he locked their rented canteen and went home then went home.

The next day, he discovered the window of the canteen was open and a portion of the flat GI sheet of the window was cut.

The suspects reportedly took the money placed in a bucket and the computer part.

Three young men mauled outside La Trinidad bar

LA TRINIDAD, Benguet – Three men went inside the Midtown Bar here below the provincial capitol to have a good time night of June 7 but mauled around 11 p.m. when they got out of the establishment by still unidentified five perpetrators.

  

Police identified the victims as Henry Kudan, 31; Daryll Pal-iwen, 17, both of Barangay Puguis and Denver Diza, 21.

Diza was accompanied by his mother when he, along with other victims, reported the incident to the police station.

A Police report said the victims’ five companions were inside their vehicle when six unidentified males mauled them .

Diza‘s jaw was broken while his companions, sustained minor injuries.

Man collects debt,takes cookies instead

BONTOC, Mountain Province – A businesswoman, resident of White Village here complained to police a man who wanted to collect debt from her took her crackers instead. 

Investigation revealed suspect Cyril MagkachiSawi, 37 of Foyayeng, Bontoc Ili, went to the store of the complainant Janice LardizabalWangdali, 33 around 9:30 a.m. of June 6 and asked payment of the latter’s debt lent by her mother.

While they were conversing, Sawi reportedly  suddenly took away four plastic containers of Yummy Biscuit worth P268per piece with a total value of P1,072 and left the store. 

Man hacks drinking buddy

DANGLAS, Abra – A drinking spree turned bloody here around 9 p.m. when a man suddenly hacked his drinking mate here at Sitio Banbani, Barangay Padangitan.

The victim was identified as Reynaldo Rosario Pensayo, 41, while the suspect was Narciso Martinez Jose, 52, both residents of the place.

Investigation revealed that the victim and the suspect were having a drinking spree beside the house of a certain Hino Bringaswhen without any  reason, the suspect pulled out a bolo and hacked the victim hitting his back right shoulder.

The victim was rushed to Abra Provincial Hospital for medical treatment and discharged later.

The suspect voluntarily surrendered to Danglas police.

Tricycle driver ‘robs’ 3 minors of phones, cash

BUGUIAS, Benguet -- Arobbery hold-up was reported which transpired here along Lamagan, Abatanby three minors, all  residents of Barangay Catlubong.

The victims, told police a certain Romeo Quintania, 24, of Lutheran,Abatan called the victims to ride on his tricycle and while on their way, ordered them to alight after taking their cellular phones and cash amounting to P500.

A cellular phone was recovered from the suspect whichwas positively identified by one of the victims.

Police report didn’t say if a case was filed against Quintania.

Man delivering softdrinks mauled

BAGUIO CITY –A man delivering Pepsi softdrinks was punched for no reason by a resident at Lourdes Extension Subdivision.

A police report said around 9:30 a.m. of June 7,  in the area, Edward Porquillano, 31, of Slaughter Compound was punched by Kits Ocawe, of legal age and resident of Lourdes Extension.

Investigation showed while the complainant was bringing softdrinks to a store, the respondent suddenly punched him on the chest.

The case was referred to Lourdes Extension barangay officials.  

Man arrested for frustrated murder

CALANASAN, Apayao -- Police arrested here June 7 a certain Richard Austria, 29, of Barangay Sta Filomena for frustrated murder.

This, after a warrant for his arrest was issued by Judge Francisco S. Donato of Regional Trial Court,  Sanchez Mira, Cagayan on April 24.

Austria was turned- over to the court and later incarcerated at Cagayan Provincial Jail Extensionin  Sanchez Mira.

2-year-old run over by van killed

PINUKPUK, Kalinga – A 2-year-old boy was killed here June 6 when he was run over by an unattended van

Police report said the incident happened about 4 p.m. at Barangay Ammacian. 

The victim was identified as Jan Jerald Ramirez, 2 yrs. old; son of Milagros Ramirez.

Investigation disclosed that the Delica Van was parked unattended at the side of a steep road where the victim and her sister were in but the vehicle  moved forward.

The movement made the victim fall from the right front door of the van and was run over by the rear tire resulting tosevere injury of his left face.

The victim was rushed to Pinukpuk District Hospital but declared dead on arrival by the attending physician.

P 95K  illegal lumber confiscated in Apayao

LUNA, Apayao -- Personnel of the Apayao Police Provincial Office confiscated a total of 95,791.46 pesos worth of illegally cut lumbers with a total volume of 6,747.99 board feet last week.

Senior Supt. Albertlito Garcia, provincial police director said illegally cut lumber was confiscated in Luna, Flora and Calanasan towns.

A chainsaw was also confiscated. A police report didn’t say if illegal loggers were arrested.

Bocap shot dead in ricefield 

LAGAYAN, Abra – A barangay chief here was shot dead by a still unidentified gunman on June 6 around 5:30 a.m. here.

Police identified the victim as Trium Pajo Donato, 42.

       

Initial investigation disclosed that the victim was on his way home from his rice field when he was fired upon by still unidentified person resulting to his death.

The gunman immediately fled to unknown direction after the incident.

Police recovered 20 fired cartridges of Cal. 7.62mm rifle at the crime scene.

Man stabs nephew who suffers serious injuries

VILLAVICIOSA, Abra – A man is now being hunted by police after he stabbed his nephew who suffered serious injuries.    

Police investigation disclosed that at about 10 pm. of June 6, victim Mark Carlito Bumagat, 22 and his cousin Jovit Rogecio Villon were eating at their house in Barangay Lumaba when  Jerry Rogecio, 40, the victim’s uncle, farmer who was drunk came.

He took a knife and without any apparent reason stabbed the victim on his neck and left shoulder.

The victim was brought to Villaviciosa Medicare Community Hospital for medical treatment but later transferred to Seares Memorial Hospital, Bangued, Abra for further medical treatment.

The suspect immediately fled after the incident and now the subject of manhunt operation. Weapon used was not recovered.

Taxi driver held up; P3K, cell phone taken from him

LA TRINIDAD, Benguet -- A taxi driver was robbed of his earnings here worth P3,000 and his cellphone by three still unidentified hold-uppers.

Police said the incident  happened around 10:35 p.m. of June 6 in Dreamland Subdivision, Barangay Pico.

The victim was identified as Rufino Aquino, 37 of Tagudin, Ilocos Sur and resident of Barangay Honeymoon, Baguio City. 

Investigation disclosed the victim was driving his Toyota Tamaraw FX taxi when flagged down by the three males in Baguio City who requested to be ferried to Dreamland.

Upon reaching the place, one of the hold-uppers got out from the taxi and proceeded at the driver side door while the other one seated at the driver’s back part locked him strangled him with a seat belt while poking  a Cal. .38 hand gun at him.

This while one of their companions took his collection of P2,700.00, his wallet containing P300 and Cherry mobile cellphone worth P800.00.

The suspects immediately fled after the incident.

Man arrested for trying to shoot his dog

BAGUIO CITY – A man was arrested for trying to shoot his dog. 

Police said on June 6, Insp. Gabriel Isican and his men assisted by a SWAT team led by Chief Insp. John Paul Bayongasan and Chief Insp. NachorBaucas responded to a report of indiscriminate firing that transpired at 10:12 p.m. in Barangay Upper Dagsian.

Investigation disclosed that suspect Roberto Las Marias, 58 fired upon his own dog hitting the window glass of a certain Angelo’s house.

Confiscated from Las Marias was a “paltik” handgun loaded with five bullets.

Las Marias was subjected to paraffin test while a case against him was prepared.