Northern Philippine Times: POLICE ROUNDUP

Trike driver, minor, nabbed for 5 kg marijuana bricks

SAN FERNANDO CITY -- A tricycle driver who doubles as a marijuana dealer was arrested by Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency agents during a buy-bust operation here Nov. 18.

PDEA director general Arturo G. Cacdac, Jr. identified the suspect as Jon Bong Ancheta, 26, resident of Barangay Padang, San Gabriel, La Union.

A 17 year-old minor who was with Ancheta was also arrested during the operation.

A PDEA report said at about 4:30 p.m, elements of the antillegal drug agency under supervision of director Adrian Alvariño arrested Ancheta and the minor at Barangay 2 and seized five bricks of marijuana around five kilos, a Honda motorcycle, and marked bills used as buy-bust money.

A case for illegal drugs is being prepared against Ancheta.

“The arrested minor is now under the custody of PDEA RO 1 for proper documentation and will be turned over to the Department of Social Welfare and Development,” Cacdac said.

7 nabbed for illegal drugs in Ilocos Sur

VIGAN CITY -- Two suspected drug dens were raided by anti-narcotics agents of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency which led to the arrest of seven drug personalities and a minor during four simultaneous search warrant operations in Ilocos Sur on Nov. 18,

PDEA director general Undersecretary Arturo G. Cacdac, Jr. identified the suspects as Fennie Salimao Arruejo, 29, a store owner; Jane TorredMabaga, alias Nicole Jean Arruejo, 18; Mark Jay-Ar Vicencio Yacap, 27, tricycle driver; LeniDomyongIsik, 23, a brand ambassador; Cyrus De Vera Alvares, 23 -- all residents of Ayusan Norte, Vigan City; Robin Tajon; Edgar Arruejo and a 16-year old minor.

At around 8:45 p.m. that day, elements of PDEA Regional Office 1 under director Adrian Alvariño, Ilocos Sur Provincial Anti-Illegal Drugs Special Operations Task Group, PIB, PPSC, and Vigan police simultaneously implemented four search warrants issued by Francisco A. Ante Jr., presiding judge, here in Barangay Ayusan Norte.

The first search warrant was implemented in the house of Salimao which resulted in her arrest and the seizure of 96 pieces of heat-sealed transparent plastic sachets containing white crystalline substance suspected as shabu.

The second operation resulted in the neutralization of a suspected drug den owned by Mabaga and the 16 year-old boy.

Also during the operation three suspected drug den visitors were arrested identified as Isik, Yacap, and Alvares.

Seized from the drug den were five pieces of plastic sachets containing suspected shabu, cash amounting to P2,240 in different denominations, a Cal .22 revolver with five bullets and several drug paraphernalia.

The third operation was implemented in the house of Annaliza Dela Rosa which resulted in the arrest of Tajon after he was caught inside the house in possession of two small heat-sealed transparent plastic sachets containing suspected shabu.

Another suspected drug den owned by Arruejo was also raided which led to apprehension of the drug den owner and the seizure of 12 pieces of plastic sachets containing white crystalline substance suspected as shabu, and drug paraphernalia.

Cases for illegal drugs will be filed against the suspects and some for illegal possession of firearms.

Cacdac said that the arrested 16-year-old minor who was with Mabaga, is now under the custody of PDEA RO 1 and will be turned over to the Department of Social Welfare and Development.

On the same day, at around 7:30 p.m, joint elements of the same law enforcement units conducted a buy-bust operation at Barangay Ayusan Norte, Vigan City, which resulted in the arrest of a suspected drug den maintainer identified as Pamela Azcueta, 38, businesswoman, and resident of Barangay Ayusan, Vigan City.

Confiscated from Azcueta’s possession were five pieces of plastic sachets containing suspected shabu, two mobile phones, cash amounting to P6,350 in different denominations, and the P500 bill used as buy-bust money.

Cases for illegal drugs will also be filed against Azcueta.

5 AWARDED OVER MARIJUANA BUST

CAMP FLORENDO, San Fernando City, La Union — Five police personnel were awarded here for the destruction of 18 plantations sites in Barangay Licungan, Sugpon, Ilocos Sur alongside the ceremonial burning last Monday of marijuana samples from the P36.7-million operation.

The ceremonial burning was led by Chief Supt. Ricardo Marquez, Police Regional Office 1 director, and witnessed by officers of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency Region 1 and other representatives as enumerated under the Anti-Illegal Drug Law.

Marquez said the burned marijuana samples were part of 185,000 fully grown marijuana plants, 5,000 marijuana seedlings destroyed Nov. 13 at the plantation site located near the tri-boundaries of Ilocos Sur, La Union, and Mountain Province.

The operation led to the awarding of the “MedalyangPapuri” (PNP Commendation Medal) to Supt. Jonathan A. Cabal, SPO 1 Darwin D. Calina and PO3 Arthur C. Debina, Senior Insp. Exzur B. Relatado and PO1 Eduardo S. Mina Jr. -- Freddie G. Lazaro

Murder suspect fall in abra; 4 others nabbed for crimes

CAMP DANGWA, La Trinidad, Benguet --- Police arrested a murder suspect in Abra and three suspected robbers in Baguio City and Benguet last week.

In a manhunt operation, a team of Tayum Municipal Police Station and the Regional Public Safety Battalion arrested a 41- year old laborer along Abra River for stabbing to death one Roselito Zapata Darisay, 21, morning of Nov. 22.

The suspect, identified as Lorenzo Garcia Calayoan, aka “Joel”, farmer and resident of Barangay Deet, Tayum, Abra, allegedly stabbed the victim on suspicion of cell phone theft.

Darisay was declared dead on arrival at the Seares Memorial Hospital.

On the other hand, three moochers were separately caught stealing in Baguio and Benguet on Nov. 24.

An 18- year old construction worker was arrested for stealing a scaffolding alloy in Warton Building owned by lawyer Ruben Bacay in Go Shen Land Compound, Bakakeng Sur, Baguio City.

Senior Supt. Jesus D. Cambay, Jr., city director of the Baguio City Police Office, identified the alleged thief as Erickjon Jacinto Lopez, resident of San Solema St. Bayanan, Muntinlupa City.

Meanwhile, security guards arrested Ben S. Comowad, 53, an employee of the Mine General Services Department of Philex Mines, Tuba, Benguet, for stealing 5.85 kilograms of Bronze Magnetic Wire inside an Electrical Shop in Philex Mines, Pacdal, Camp 3, Tuba.

A thief was also nabbed for taking a half sack of potatoes at the vegetable trading post, Km 5 Pico, La Trinidad, Benguet early morning of Nov. 24.

The suspect was identified as John Dexter Panelo Alba, 22, vegetable hauler, and a native of Tubao, La Union presently residing in Puguis, La Trinidad, while the complainant was identified as Cresencio Canipas Big-asan, 57, farmer and a resident of Bulalacao, Mankayan, Benguet.

Ten wanted persons nabbed in 3 days

CAMP BADO DANGWA, La Trinidad, Benguet – Ten wanted persons were recently nabbed in the Cordillera last week.

A team of Mankayan, Benguet police arrested the No. 8 top most wanted person in Mankayan on Nov. 19.

Senior Supt. Rodolfo Azurin, Jr., Benguet provincial police director, identified the arrested person as Kenny Javier Bandoc, 35, farmer of Colocol, Guinaoang, Mankayan.

He was arrested in his residence following warrant issued against him by Judge Agapito K. Laoagan, Jr. of the Regional Trial Court for theft with bail bond set at P 20,000.

The nine other wanted persons were nabbed in different places in the region.

Three miners were separately arrested in their respective residences in Kias, Baguio City by members of Itogon, Benguet police.

They were named as Cyrus G. Cudal, 24 and Richard T. Abaloy, 25, both arrested for highgrading while Rambo Antalis Sangita, 29 was arrested for attempted highgrading.

Three other wanted individuals were placed behind bars for estafa.

They were identified as Maribeth M. Bonotan, 38, of Lower Green Valley, Camp 6, Tuba, Benguet and Rey MacarioLaruanBantilan, 34, of Caucalan, Taloy Sur, Tuba.

Both were arrested in their respective residences by the Tuba police.

The third arrested wanted person was Erlie Cruz Bumahit alias Erl, 46, of Purok 1, Ambiong, Baguio City who was arrested along Ambiong Road by city police.

Other arrested wanted individuals were Rudy Gano Bumilac, 50, miner, of Loakan, Apugan, Baguio City for illegal guns; Alvin Legaspi Gunayon for frustrated homicide.

Both had a recommended bail bond of P120,000.

All arrested were Bernardo Menis Bayacsan, 31, businessman who was nabbed in his residence in Apugan Camp 8, Kennon Road, Baguio City for falsification of public documents and Anthony Ringor Castillo, a resident of Gen. Lim St., Baguio City who was nabbed at Burnham Park, Burnham-Legarda, Baguio City for theft.

Both had recommended bail bond of P12, 000.

3 nabbed for illegal drugs in baguio, benguet

CAMP DANGWA, La Trinidad, Benguet -- Police arrested last week three men for illegal drug pushing.

A buy-bust operation of Baguio City Anti-Illegal Drug Special Operations Task Group resulted in the arrest of a 33- year old small-scale miner in Purok 2, Tapinao, Loakan, Apugan, Baguio City Nov. 21.

Senior Supt. Jesus D. Cambay, Jr., city police director identified the suspect as Lando Alcido Thomas alias Alex, a resident of Samoyao, Ampucao, Itogon, Benguet.

Confiscated from his possession was a sachet containing shabu worth P1,200.

In another buy-bust operation, a team of the La Trinidad Municipal Anti-Illegal Drug Special Operations Task Group and Intelligence personnel arrested a driver and a vegetable packer at Central Pico, La Trinidad Benguet above Tumlayen’s/Marimar Billiard Recreation Ground also on Nov. 21.

Chief Insp. Byron Allatog, chief of La Trinidad police, identified the suspected drug pushers as Michael Miguel Sequerra, of Buyagan, La Trinidad and Eligio Libera RoxasJr, of Barangay Pico also in the town. Bothare aged 33.

Confiscated from them were two plastic sealed sachets containing shabu and a P500 bill.

All arrested suspects and seized items were brought to the concerned police stations for documentation while charges were prepared against them.

2 Army intel agents cited for undercover work vs NPA

CAMP AQUINO, Tarlac City — Two undercover military agents working against against enemies of the state, both soldiers from 24th Infantry Battalion led by Captain Ramon C. Rayala, Jr. and 1Lt. Wilson H. Usman, Jr. were commended here Nov. 23 for successful intelligence operations against remnants of the New People’s Army in Tarlac and Zambales.

The Philippine Army cited the operations implemented by the 24th Infantry Battalion, under Lt. Col. Gilamr Galicia, resulting to seizure of two M-16 rifles; assorted military items; communication equipment; and subversive documents from the NPA in Barangay Pinagrealan, Candelaria, Zambales.

Lt. Gen. Gregorio PioCatapang, Northern Luzon Command commander, said: “Your remarkable achievements speaks well of your adherence to what is expected of a soldier as specified in my command guidance ‘Kawal ay Disiplinado, Bawal Abusado Dapat Asintado’ that resulted in zero collateral damage and casualty on our troops and civilians in the community.”

Catapang said the success of intelligence operation last Nov. 18 was “manifestation of a commander’s efforts in hunting down the enemy.” -- Mar T. Supnad

S. Korea’s most wanted arrested in Pampanga

ANGELES CITY, Pampanga - An alleged head of a South Korean mafia tagged as the country’s most wanted fugitive was arrested here Tuesday.

Cho Yang Eun, 63, was arrested at about 9 a.m. by agents of the Bureau of Immigration, according to Justice Secretary Leila de Lima.

Cho, who is reportedly involved in economic crimes, allegedly founded the Yangeuni Family in 1978 and once made it as the biggest gang in the country, according to the website of the Korean Times.

The fugitive announced his “retirement” in 2009 but has reportedly remained the de-facto leader of the ring.

BI spokesperson Ma. Angelica Pedro said Cho allegedly embezzled $2.5 million in Korea.

BI officer-in-charge Siegfred Mison said Cho’s arrest was based on a summary deportation order issued last year for being an undocumented alien and a fugitive from justice.

The Korean embassy had asked the help of the BI for Cho’s arrest.

An Interpol Seoul red notice was issued against the suspect for fraud charges.

The South Korean government revoked Cho’s passport in March 2012.

BI Intelligence Division acting chief Carlitos Licas said Cho would be deported as soon as they secure the needed clearances.

The BI said it would blacklist Cho to prevent him from returning to the country.

Cop’s pa shot dead

TUGUEGARAO CITY – A father of a police officer was shot dead by an unidentified gunman in the town of Pasuquin in Ilocos Norte Nov. 23.

Artemio Bulosan Sr., father of PO3 Artemio Jr., was on his motorcycle near a public market when shot, according to Insp.Rodel Caslio, deputy chief of the municipal police.

Although wounded, Bulosan managed to run toward the crowd but the attacker followed and shot him several times.

Investigators found six slugs for a caliber .45 pistol at the crime scene.—Raymond Catindig

Village chief killed in mishap

NAGUILLAN, Isabela– A re-elected village chief did not live to take his oath for his final term on Nov. 30 after the tricycle he was driving slammed into a jeepney here Nov. 22.

Nestor Ramirez, 49, of Barangay Quezon, died while undergoing treatment at a hospital in Iligan City, according to Insp. Romeo Naira, chief of the Naguilian police.

Ramirez’ companions, village watchmen Ferdinand Malana and Romel Baccay, were treated at the same hospital for injuries they suffered from the accident.

Naira said the jeepney driven by Manuel Valencia, 58, stopped in the middle of the road in Barangay Palattao, causing Ramirez’ tricyle to slam into its rear.

Ramirez and his group were reportedly heading for the adjacent town of Reina Mercedes to assist in the wedding of his niece when the accident happened.

Valencia surrendered to the police after the incident. – Raymond Catindig

PNP urges public not to issue false reports on Yolanda relief operations

CAMP BADO DANGWA, La Trinidad, Benguet – The Philippine National Police appealed to the public not to contribute to problems being experienced by millions of people in the Visayas affected by Typhoon Yolanda by spreading false reports on alleged looting and ambush of police and military convoys delivering relief goods to heavily devastated areas.

In a press statement, the PNP said misleading reports deter efficient performance of their duties and responsibilities, particularly in relief and retrieval operations, now the focus of international and national disaster operations.

Local police were also victims. In response, the PNP deployed more than a thousand police personnel from other regions to the affected areas.

However, false reports of looting by armed men and ambushing of trucks and convoys containing relief goods circulated in the areas causing people to panic.

The police and military responded to these reports immediately only to find them untrue.

Such reports hinder the police from doing their main responsibilities of providing assistance to the victims and to maintaining peace and order, the PNP advisory said.

Cordillera top cop adopted ‘ son of Abra’

BANGUED, Abra --– Abra’s provincial government declared the region’s top police officer, Chief Supt. Benjamin B. Magalong, as adopted son of Abra during thanksgiving ceremony Nov. 18 here at at provincial capitol.

As a gesture of appreciation, the provincial government of Abra through Gov. Eustaquio P. Bersamin passed a resolution on Oct. 21 officially declaring Magalong as adopted “Son of Abra" for his contribution in the peace process transforming Abra from a community of lawlessness and violence to an orderly and peaceful atmosphere conducive for living, working, and doing business.

“The undying hope of the Abranians for the transformation of untoward incidents that constantly disturbed the peace and order of Abra has inspired the national and provincial governments to address the misfortunate situations. Thus, the conversion process of the peace and order situation in the province has been initiated through more intensified programs of the national and provincial governments through the Philippine National Police,” the resolution stated.

The peace and development in Abra was made possible through police-community partnership activities and programs such as the conduct of peace forums, rallies, covenant signing, dialogue through conflict diffusion and mediation coupled with transparency in dealing with every stakeholder in the province.

The recognition conferred to the regional director of the PRO-COR has brought honor and prestige to PRO-COR but the PNP organization.

Magalong expressed gratitude to local officials of Abra for their cooperation and participation in institutionalization of peacekeeping efforts as demonstrated in peaceful conduct of the May 13 mid-term elections and the Oct. 28 barangay polls.

3 nabbed for illegal drugs in Baguio, Benguet