CAMP BGEN OSCAR M. FLORENDO, La Union -- Police operatives arrested three suspects in separate theft and robbery incidents in Region 1 provinces and Cordillera region in a checkpoint operation in Cabugao, Ilocos Sur early Saturday morning, Jan. 7.
Ilocos region director PBGen John C. Chua identified the three arrested suspects as Marlon Padaco y Galap, 31, driver; Ceasar Mangamling y Bastog, 41, gardener, both residents of Barangay Dapapan, Bauko, Mt. Province, and Milton Padaco y Galap, 35, driver, native of Barangay Lagawa, Bauko, Mt Province and presently residing at Barangay Tamurong, Candon City, Ilocos Sur.
The lawmen arrested the suspects through an intelligence-driven checkpoint operations along the national highway in Barangay Bonifacio, Cabugao, Ilocos Sur at about 12:00 a.m. on Jan. 7.
The checkpoint was established after a robbery incident was reported in Bauang, La Union where the suspects ransacked the house of Hon. Virginia Ardina, incumbent President of Liga ng mga Barangay of Bauang town, on January 4, 2023.
The suspects took valuables and cash amounting to more or less P423,000 inside their house and looted from their vehicle the sling bag of Mr. George Picardal containing cash worth of P100,000, bank book, ATM cards, and a Cal. 45 MAC pistol.
Victims averred that the suspect fled using a Toyota Innova bearing plate number AAN 6113 as seen in a CCTV footage.
On Jan. 6, 2023, at about 11:00 p.m., La Union police director PColonel Lambert A. Suerte informed Ilocos Sur police director, PColonel Marlo A. Castillo that the said vehicle was sighted within his Area of Responsibility.
This prompted the latter to order all police stations to immediately conduct intelligence monitoring and establish checkpoints.
The suspects were flagged down at a checkpoint in front of the police outpost at Barangay Bonifacio, Cabugao, Ilocos Sur.
Suspects attempted to run away but were successfully subdued and arrested by the responding policemen.
Recovered from the suspects’ possession were the following items: two caliber .45 pistols, one hand grenade, one Glock 9 MM pistol, bolt cutter, 28 bullets for cal. 45, 18 bullets for 9MM, white crystalline substance believed to be shabu, five cellular phones (4 touch screen and 1 keypad) and other personal belongings.
Meanwhile, after close coordination with authorities, Mr. George Picardal positively identified the recovered Cal. 45 MAC as his firearm which was stolen from their house in Bauang on January 4, 2023.
On the other hand, the Glock 9 MM pistol was also discovered to have been stolen from A1 First Class Rienel Arcona and Airwoman Josea Mariz Sarabia, both members of the Philippine Airforce based at Villamor Airbase, Pasay City in a thievery incident during their stay at Ohana Transient House, Barangay Saud, Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte on December 23, 2022.
Chua commended the concerted efforts and close coordination among police units which led to this successful operation.
“The no let-up investigation efforts of La Union police office, the Intelligence build up, immediate dispatch of troops for checkpoints of Ilocos Sur police office, and the Inter-operabilities and cooperation of other police provincial offices, brought us this successful endeavor,” said Chua.
“This is a proof that we should always work as a team,” added Chua.
The recovered firearms were subject for ballistic exam and FED verification, and the vehicle used is subject for verification to LTO/HPG, and cellphones subject for Digital Forensic Exam at PNP ACG.
The recovered white crystalline substance will be subjected for Laboratory examination at PNP Forensic Group.
Chua said the suspects are now under police custody while appropriate charges are being prepared for filing in court.