By Zaldy Comanda
LA TRINIDAD, Benguet – The Police Regional Office-Cordillera reported that 31 loose firearms were seized and 84 suspects were arrested during synchronized police operations in the region.
(AP / MANILA BULLETIN)
Chief Supt. Rolando Nana, Cordillera regional police director, said 13 firearms were surrednered while 18 were confiscated during the police operations.
Several rounds of ammunition were also seized.
The operation against loose firearms also resulted in the arrest of 11 individuals.
Of the 84 arrested suspects, 64 were held by virtue of warrants of arrest issued by various courts; 5 were arrested upon implementation of search warrants, while 15 were arrested in other police operations.
Among the more notorious suspects arrested are Erick Pae-eng, Mountain Province’s third most wanted person and Ershton Francisco of Tinoc, Ifugao and is Benguet’s seventh most wanted person.
Pae-eng is wanted for rape while Francisco is wanted for two counts of violation of R.A. 9262.
Likewise arrested was Royce Ortiz Mesina, 26, of Nueva Ecija. He is wanted for rape in Baguio City.
The Baguio City Police Office also bagged four of its Ten Most Wanted Persons, identified as Erlinda Cirilo, 44 (estafa), Renato Busoy, 35 (violation of RA 9165 with no recommended bail); Bonyan Cangitit, 32 (frustrated and attempted homicide) and Jeson Ekin Acol, 41, (violation of RA 7610).
Regional police operations also resulted in the arrest of over 80 drug suspects and the confiscation of over P260,000 worth of illegal drugs / substances.
Nana applauded the relentless efforts of provincial directors, field commanders and their men.
He, however, reiterated the need for the sustained efforts of the local government units and the public in working with the police by providing timely, key information that will help ensure the safety and security of the public.