POLICE ROUNDUP

 36 marijuana bricks seized in Kalinga

TABUK CITY, Kalinga -- Police officers seized 36 marijuana bricks abandoned by suspected drug traffickers on a bridge here Wednesday night.

Investigators said the marijuana dealers decided to leave the contraband and their motorcycle on Canao Bridge in Barangay Cananan after sensing that the police were waiting for them.

Superintendent Cherry Fajardo, spokesperson for the Cordillera police, said an informant tipped off the city police about the transport of the contraband to Tabuk City.

Fajardo said the marijuana bricks were placed in boxes and a bag stuffed in a jute sack.          

Dentist nabbed for drug trafficking

PANIQUI, Tarlac  – A dentist who allegedly turned drug trafficker was arrested along with two others here last week.

Epifanio Castro, 54, reportedly yielded a plastic sachet said to contain shabu when he was arrested at his residence in Barangay Patalan, according to town police chief Superintendent Salvador Destura Jr.

Aside from Castro, police arrested Rufino Fernandez, 49, and Sarhani Diko, who were at the house during the anti-drug operation.

Police said Castro ranked first in the town police’s list of suspected drug traffickers.

“His addiction prevented him from practicing his profession, so he decided to engage in the drug trade,” Inspector Marty Calara, leader of a team who conducted a surveillance on Castro, said.

Castro reportedly told investigators that Diko is a runner of his drug supplier from Metro Manila, whom he identified only as Alex.

He admitted to police that he had been selling and using shabu since 1995.

Records showed Castro was previously arrested for drug possession in San Manuel town in 2012, and was released from jail only last year. – Ding Cervantes

Lawyer nabbed for grave threats  

BAGUIO CITY – A lawyer was arrested here Oct. 29 last week along Upper Abanao St. for grave threats. Cops arrested lawyer Richard Afangka Asuncion, 39, native of Lias, Barlig, Mountain Province. 

Ivan Kim B. Morales, presiding judge, First Judicial Region, RTC, Branch 3, Baguio City issued warrant for Asuncion’s arrest and recommended bail of P120,000.

The arrested person was brought to police station and later turned over to the court.

Ma, son slain

TUGUEGARAO CITY, Cagayan — Police operatives are presently conducting in-depth investigation to identify the suspect in the brutal slaying of a mother and her son inside their house in Barangay Guinatan, Ilagan City, Isabela province, last Wednesday. Inspector Nieves Meña, the chief of the women’s desk of the Ilagan City police station, said Emerald Bartolome, 40; and her son, Kein Bartolome, 16, succumbed to multiple stab wounds. Initially, homicide investigators said robbery could be the motive because cash and valuables were found missing. -- Freddie G. Lazaro

Thieves take P88,000 from bank executive

LAMUT, Ifugao -- One Marcelo Dulinas Lagundino, 35, agriculture account officer of Tulay sa Pag-unlad Incorporation (TSPI) Micro-Finance of Magsaysay, Bayombong, Nueva Vizcaya was held up at about 5 p.m. Oct. 26, by two unidentified men here along the road in Sitio Nunhabatan, Hapid.

Investigation disclosed the victim who was driving his motorcycle going to Bannit, Payawan, Lamut, stopped along the road because it was barricaded with wood.  The suspects then suddenly appeared in and one of them at gunpoint declared the heist.  The thieves took the victim’s cash collections amounting to P88,000, P365.00 personal money and Cherry Mobile Phone worth P1,700. The suspects fled to unknown direction. 

 Police coordinated with the military’s Alpha Coy, CAA, 77th IB, 5th ID, PA based at Bannit and conducted joint operation to arrest the perpetrators but this proved futile.

Wanted man falls in entrapment operation

CAMP JUAN, Ilocos Norte  — Police operatives of Ilocos Norte arrested a most wanted person in this province with a P110,000 bounty on his head through an entrapment operation in here Oct. 31 Bani, Pangasinan. Chief Insp. Jonathan Papay, Ilocos Norte police provincial office spokesman, said a police team from the intelligence branch of the police provincial office arrested Hadji T. Palafox, with aliases “Chokoy” and “Sukoy,” 38, the No. 5 most wanted man in Ilocos Norte, for murder cases and alleged involvement in illegal drugs. -- Freddie G. Lazaro

Man found dead by police auxiliary member 

BAGUIO CITY -- A dead body of an unidentified male person was found below a riprap here around 6 a.m. Tuesday along Balacbac Circumferential Road, Purok 11, Bakakeng Sur by a certain Buenaventura E. Balneg, 56, police auxiliary member and resident of said place.

 The cadaver sustained had three stab wounds on the abdomen and two on the throat,  his feet tied with a packing tape, his face wrapped with packing tape, and  head was covered with a black jacket. The cadaver was described as, about 5’8” in height, with a Dragon tattoo on his left upper arm and Nato tattoo on the right armpit.

The body was brought to the Bahay Damayan Funeral Homes, No. 42, Km. 5, Suello Village, Marcos Highway, Baguio City.

Two persons killed in motorbike mishap

CABANATUAN CITY – Two persons died when their motorcycle figured in an accident in Carranglan, Nueva Ecija on Tuesday night.

Mark Lester Antonio, 23, and Emily Carig, 52, were declared dead on arrival at the Carranglan Medicare Community Hospital due to head injuries, according to provincial police director Senior Superintendent Manuel Cornel.

Witnesses said the motorcycle, driven by Antonio, was traveling at top speed as it was about to pass through a curve in Barangay Bantug.

The victims were thrown out of the motorcycle, which was found to be unregistered. – Manny Galvez

Bus reservation office robbed of P7,000

BAGUIO CITY – The Ohayami Bus Trans Reservation Office at Shanum Street was robbed by still unidentified persons about 3:30 a.m. Tuesday and took P7,000 cash kept in office drawer. Nathaniel Sarandi Santiago, 35, Ohayami Bus conductor told police he found out about the incident and reported the matter to police around 4:35 a.m.

Investigation disclosed that unidentified suspect/s gained entry at the said office by destroying the door padlock and took the money. Police sid they lifted two fingerprints in the area.

Student cornered for illegal drugs

TABUK CITY – A young lady was arrested here Tuesday for illegal drugs. This after Judge Victor Dalanao, Municipal Trial Court Tabuk City issued arrest warrant against Sheila A. Ganggang, 21, student, single, of Purok 6, Barangay Bulanao.

The search resulted in the seizure of four sachets containing suspected shabu with more or less 20 grams. Inventory of seized items was done in the presence of  BasilioBaluyan, Radyo Ng Bayan Manager and Kagawad Abraham Licaycay of Bulanao. The arrested suspect and the seized items were brought to Kalinga provincial police office for investigation and filing of charges.

Man lands in jail for murder

LA TRINIDAD, Benguet – police arrested Sammy BugtongPayat, 32, of Mankayan, Benguet, and a resident of Barangay Lubas here Tuesday for murder. 

Kim B. Morales, assisting judge of RTC-Branch 8, La Trinidad, Benguet earlier issued arrest warrant against Payat with no bail recommended. Police said Bugtong was listed No. 4 most wanted persons in the province  and is now detained at the Benguet Provincial Jail.

Gang leader nabbed

SAN FERNANDO CITY, La Union – A suspected leader of a criminal group engaged in contract killings was arrested in a police operation here Monday.

Lorenzo Mendoza was collared at his residence in Barangay Camansi based on a warrant issued by Judge Asuncion Mandia for double murder, according to city police chief Supt. Julius Suriben.

Mendoza has been tagged in the killing of security guard Dominique Pineda in February and a certain Eric Dioniso in December last year.

Suriben said Mendoza ranked No. 1 on the city’s list of most wanted men and was a leader of the Mendoza gun-for-hire and robbery group operating in La Union and Pangasinan.

Aside from Mendoza, the city police arrested six suspected drug traffickers in five days of successive operations.

Suriben identified the suspects as Jayvee del Rosario, John Leo Ordinario, MardenAncheta, JovitoTadifa, Mark Christopher Park and Joseph Flores. -- Jun Elias

Man arrested for online libel 

BAGUIO CITY – Cops nabbed a certain Justine F. Sunga at Barangay Camdas here Tuesday after warrant of arrest for two counts of Violation of Republic Act 10175 (online libel) was issued against him by Cecilia Corazon S. Dulay-Archog, acting presiding judge, Regional Trialc Court, Branch 6, Baguio City.

The judge recommended bail of P60,000 each for each case. The arrested person was brought to police station and later presented to the court.

3 rob suspects slain in shootout

CAMP OLIVAS, Pampanga – Three suspected robbers were killed in an encounter with police officers in Tarlac City, Tarlac on Oct. 31.

The names of the fatalities were not immediately available, according to Police Regional Office 3 director Chief Supt. Rudy Lacadin.

Reports said the three stole a tricycle in Tarlac City, prompting the police to set up a checkpoint in Barangay Tibag.

The men reportedly shot at the police officers who pulled them over in SitioPag-asa, triggering a firefight.

Police recovered three .38 caliber revolvers and the stolen tricycle from the suspects.

Lacadin said the tricycle was turned over to its owner, Sonny Medrano of Barangay Sierra, Lapaz, Tarlac. – Ric Sapnu 

Three persons hurt in Kennon Road mishap

BAGUIO CITY  – Three persons riding a taxi were hurt when the vehicle they were riding in was bumped by a Mecedez Benz sedan along Camp 7 Kennon Road about 9:40 p.m. Monday. Police said the Mercedez, driven by Christianne Jason Sipin Amadeo, 29, of Purok West Gibraltar here bumped a Toyota Innova taxi driven by Christopher Saingan Atin-an, 25 of Taloy Tuba, Benguet. 

Both vehicles involved incurred damages while three passengers of the taxi were  injured: Ana Katrina Del Rosario Mejia, 20 of San Vicente;  Dianna Ramos Abad, 20, of Camp 8 and Mario Loreto PolaOrioste, 29 of Upper San Vicente. They were brought to Baguio General Hospital and Medical Center for treatment.

Old lady sideswiped by taxi in Baguio

BAGUIO CITY – An old lady sideswiped by a taxi was injured and later treated in a hospital. Police said the incident happened Tuesday at about 12:45 p.m. long Kalaw Rotunda Street here identifying the victim as Estrellita Gorospe Villaga, 68, of Gabriela Silang here. She was hit by a Kia Rio Sedan Taxi with license plate AYV 447 driven by Ronnie Ledsey Alfredo, 39, of Central Balili La Trinidad, Benguet.

The victim who was injured when she fell on the road pavement was brought to the Baguio General Hopstial and Medical Center for treatment by the taxi driver.

Tabuk prosecutor’s vehicle bumps Hilux

BOKOD, Benguet -- A maroon Sportivo vehicle driven by Prosecutor Randy B. Bayubay, Assistant City Prosecutor of Tabuk City, Kalinga, accidentally sideswiped about 11 a.m. Tuesday a gray Hilux driven by Bruno CabaksanBangao, a resident of Betag, La Trinidad, Benguet.  The accident happened along a sharp curve portion at k.m. 290 Benguet-Vizcaya Road here at Inidian, Ambuklao. Vehicles involved incurred undetermined cost of damages. Nobody was harmed and both drivers agreed to amicably settle the case.

Motorcycle rams steel barrier; driver dead

TUGUEGARAO CITY – A man died while his companion was seriously injured when their motorcycle rammed a steel barrier in Saguday, Quirino on Nov 1.

Edmar Olat, 22, died at the scene while his passenger Johnny Paragas, 20, was taken to the Cabarroguis Medical Center where he was listed in critical condition, town police chief Senior Inspector Reymond Asistores said.

Witnesses said Olat tried to overtake another vehicle, causing him to lose control of the wheel in Barangay Magsaysay at around 7:45 p.m. – Raymund Catindig

Young man hurt after taxi bumps him

BAGUIO CITY -- One Larry Nabe Pagaduan, 24, of Ambiong, La Trinidad, Benguet, while crossing Bonifacio Street here at about 1:30 p.m. Tuesday was bumped by an Isuzu Crosswind Wagon Taxi with Plate No. AYS 731, driven by Wilfredo Lavendia Capili, 59, of Sanitary, Camp here.

The victim was slightly injured and brought by said taxi driver to the Baguio General Hospital and Medical Center He was later discharged after treatment.

Security guard shoots peer

TUBA, Benguet – A certain Jhonny Udad Severino, of k.m. 8 Poblacion here  was shot at about 10:20 p.m. of Oct.  26, reportedly by Quirino Dongayao, 45,  of Pico La Trinidad, Benguet. The suspect and victim are employed as security guards of Interlink Security Agency and detailed at the building project of Baguio Water District.

Investigation disclosed the two were on duty when a heated argument ensued between them that resulted in a misunderstanding until the suspect shot the victim using his agency issued 12 GA shotgun. The victim sustained gunshot wound and was immediately rushed to Baguio General Hospital for medical treatment while the suspect voluntarily surrendered at Tuba police together with the firearm. A case of frustrated homicide was being prepared against Dongayao.

Shotgun, bullets found in house

RIZAL, Kalinga – Cops searched a house here Oct. 23 in Sitio Tagaopan, Barangay Santor and found illegal gun and ammunitions which resulted to arrest of owner of the deadly items.

Police identified the suspect as Florencio PasionGuya who reportedly admitted owning the items.

Confiscated from Guya’s master bedroom were a box of armscor 21 shotgun bullets, bullet for M-16 rifle and shotgun rifle Guya showed his firearm license card but it was found out it expired last May 2015.

Bocap grapples, takes trouble maker’s gun  

BUCAY, Abra – Cops responded to a report of Barangay Captain Jimmy VillaruzCabiao of Barangay Quimloong at about 10:45 p.m. of Oct. 26, regarding alleged vbiolation of Republic Act 10591 committed by Judie Cabiao, 40, farmer and resident of same place.

Investigation disclosed Cabiao and barangay tanod members who were providing security at the wake of the late Marilyn Doquinal heard a gunshot emanating from the west. Thereafter, two male persons arrived, one of them having a firearm slung on his left side. Cabiao accosted the suspect but the latter resisted, thus, they grappling for the firearm. Cabiao was able to take possession of the firearm described as homemade caliber .9mm pistol without serial number, with one magazine inserted loaded with two bullets. The suspect, escaped to unknown direction.

Creation of ‘push’ group to stop criminality urged

BANGUED, Abra--  The creation of a  core group of peace advocates  to serve as  a “push” group to stop criminality  in the province is  being recommended.

This surfaced during the Abra Peace Conference sponsored by International Alert Philippines (IAP) and  theAbra Peace Conveners’ Group recently held  at Abra Diocesan Teacher-Employee Cooperative  Conference Hall. Participants included  peace advocates from the different civil society organizations, some  local government  units, youth, religious sector and national agencies.

It was the consensus insurgency is no longer a threat in the province except for  few hotspots, but this  can be managed by  the military.  With the upcoming elections,  main concern about peace as pointed  out is politically-motivated criminality  as experienced in past elections.

Criminality of all types should be dealt with, Peter Lavińa from IAP said.

“Attack it. In order to rebuild peace, there is a need to leave poor level of peace constituency, indifference and insignificant participation.”

A need to create an active core peace building group is necessary to attack the peace situation in Abra or the lack of it. This way, this group would be the “push” group, said Lavińa.

He also mentioned the importance of involving the military, police, civil societies, religious sector, the academe, the youth, the media and even the business sector in peace movement because they are all affected  by  peace situation.

When many act against a few, the will of the many prevails, he said. – Ginalyn Brioso