ALIAGA, Nueva Ecija – The leader and four members of a group of assassins were arrested in a checkpoint in Barangay Santo Rosario here early Sunday morning, June 25.
Police Col. Richard Caballero, Nueva Ecija police chief, identified the suspects as alias “Ronnie,” 41, leader of the Hernandez Gun-for-Hire Group and a resident of Rosario, Batangas; “Alfred,” 34, of Pagbilao, Quezon; alias “Joey,” 35, of Lipa City, Batangas; alias “Myra,” 34, of Malvar, Batangas, and alias “Liezel,” 37, of San Juan, Batangas.
Caballero said the Aliaga police station and other law enforcement units flagged down the suspects riding a blue Toyota Vios in an anti-criminality checkpoint in Barangay Santo Rosario.
Suspects were arrested after they yielded an M16 rifle with magazines and ammunition, three hand grenades, four caliber .45 pistols with magazines and ammunitions, P49,931 cash, suspected shabu worth P27,200, and explosives in an inspection.
Investigation said the suspects operate in Region 4-A (Calabarzon), Metro Manila, and Region 3 (Central Luzon).
Suspects were allegedly involved in several killings in Batangas and Quezon provinces and face charges for violating Republic Act 10591 (Comprehensive Law on Firearms and Ammunitions), RA 9516 (illegal possession of explosives), and Section 11 (possession of illegal drugs) under Republic Act 9165 (Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002).