GUNS seized from suspected hitmen in Liloan town, Cebu. (Contributed photo)
CEBU CITY – A man was killed and three others were arrested in a police operation against suspected members of a gun-for-hire group operating in Cebu province.
Police said the encounter happened early Saturday morning, Feb. 28, in Liloan town, northern Cebu.
Killed in the gunfight was Vince Tayong, a resident in the area where the operation happened.
Arrested were Edwin Pesa Cabrera, 30, of Barangay Jubay, Liloan; Jaymark Sacedor Igoy, 38, of Barangay Mactan, Lapu-Lapu City; and Angelo Cruz Cardines, 25, of Barangay Umapad, Mandaue City.
Operatives of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG)-Cebu City Field Unit seized a .45 caliber pistol and a KG9 sub-machine pistol from the suspects.
Police said reports surfaced that the group was involved in gun-running activities in Carcar City, Mandaue, Consolacion, and Liloan.
Aside from selling illegal firearms, the group was involved in illegal drug peddling, carnapping, robberies, and gun-for-hire activities.
An entrapment operation was launched as part of the CIDG’s flagship program “Oplan: Paglalansag Omega.”
A poseur-buyer transacted with Tayong. During the transaction, Tayong sensed that he was dealing with a policeman and drew a firearm, triggering a shootout.
Tayong was wounded in the gunfight. He was brought to the Danao City Provincial Hospital where he was declared dead.
Police conducted a follow-up operation that led to the arrest of the three other men.