Cops nab alleged leader of gun-for-hire group, 4 members in Nueva Ecija

Photo courtesy of the Philippine National Police

MANILA, Philippines — Alleged gun-for-hire group leader and four of his members, allegedly involved in numerous killings in Batangas and Quezon Province, were arrested in Nueva Ecija last June 25, the Philippine National Police (PNP) said on Wednesday.

According to PNP, Aliaga Police Station, the Provincial Intelligence Unit (PIU), and the Provincial Police Drug Enforcement Unit operatives installed a checkpoint along Barangay Sto Rosario, Aliaga, which led to the apprehension of the Hernandez Group’s leader and members.

Based on the report, the team identified and collared the group’s leader Ronnie Hernandez along with his members Alfred Ledezma, Joey Pangilinan, Myra Hernandez, and Liezel Awing.

Found in the suspects’ possessions were a rifle, two hand grenades, magazines, ammunition, two .45 caliber pistols, and a sachet containing suspected crystal meth or “shabu.”

Aside from alleged involvement with killing incidents in Batangas and Quezon provinces, the group’s operation reportedly extended across Cavite, Laguna, Rizal, Metro Manila, and Central Luzon.

PNP said recovered explosives were turned over to the Nueva Ecija Provincial Explosives and Canine Unit for further investigation, while the seized firearms and illegal drugs were submitted to the NEPPO-Forensic Unit for ballistic and laboratory examinations.

The suspects are currently under police custody and will face complaints for violating Republic Act (RA) 10591 or Comprehensive Law on Firearms and Ammunitions, RA 9516 (illegal possession of explosives), and RA 9165 (possession of illegal drugs) before the Provincial Prosecution’s Office.

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JPV