Police nabs gang member for sexual assault

Romeo Ciuzon Patalinghug Jr., a member of the Lucky Bertiz Criminal Gang, was arrested and detained on January 29, 2023. Photo from the PIO NCRPO’s Facebook Page.

MANILA, Philippines — A gang member wanted for sexual assault was arrested at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) by officials from the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO).

Romeo Ciuzon Patalinghug Jr. is a member of the Lucky Bertiz Criminal Gang, which is responsible for robbery, theft, and drug operations in the cities of Makati, Pasay, Las Piñas, Muntinlupa, Parañaque, and surrounding areas.

“At about 11:30 AM of January 29, 2023 at NAIA Terminal 3, Pasay City, joint operatives conducted the said operation and arrested the accused who was identified as Romeo Patalinghug Jr. y Ciuzon [also known as] Jun Jun Ugus/Inggo, 34 years old, male,” said the NCRPO in a statement on Tuesday.

Patalinghug has had a Warrant of Arrest since May 16, 2022, for rape by sexual assault, in violation of Republic Act 7620, otherwise known as the “Special Protection of Children Against Abuse, Exploitation and Discrimination Act.”

The said warrant was issued by Judge Phrincess Ma Bajarias-Hermogeno of Branch 6, Family Court of the National Capital Judicial Region.

According to the NCRPO, the accused has already been brought to the NCRPO’s Regional Intelligence Division and Regional Special Operations Group “for documentation and proper disposition prior to his turnover to the court of origin.”

“We will be persistent with our effort against wanted persons in the Metro. I greatly appreciate the effort and dedication of our personnel in rendering their duty and hunting down persons with standing warrants of arrest,” said NCRPO Director Jonnel Estomo.

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