Several members of Albay crime group wounded in clash, police say

LEGAZPI CITY – Several members of a criminal group operating in the Bicol region, particularly in Albay province, were wounded in an encounter with policemen on Friday in Libon town.

Members of the 1st Albay Police Mobile Company were on security operation in Along-ong village around 6:30 a.m. when they chanced upon seven suspected members of the Concepcion Criminal Group, according to Senior Inspector Maria Luisa Calubaquib. Bicol police spokesperson.

A two-minute firefight ensued when some criminal group members were wounded, an initial police report said. The police said their companions took the wounded as they fled the area.

Calubaquib said there were no casualties on the government side.

The Concepcion Criminal Group is led by an unidentified former Army soldier, according to the police. It became a notorious gun-for-hire group operating in Albay and neighboring provinces.

The group members also became involved in several crimes in the region, police records said. MAR ARGUELLES