Ako Bicol Party-list Rep. Zaldy Co and House Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez turn over a personal reward of P10 million reward to officers of the Philippine National Police (PNP) on Monday, February 26, 2024, for putting an end to the notorious Concepcion Criminal Group which has been involved in various criminal activities, including assassinations, extortion, rape, robbery, and illegal arms trade. (Photo from Co’s office)
MANILA, Philippines — Ako Bicol Party-list Rep. Zaldy Co has awarded the Philippine National Police (PNP) P10 million for dismantling a notorious criminal syndicate.
Co said the Concepcion Criminal Group has been “terrorizing the Bicol Region and other areas of the country for the longest time.”
The organized crime group was involved in gun-for-hire operations, extortion, robbery, and gun running, among others.
“Neutralizing the Concepcion Gang is a significant accomplishment. We’ve been dealing with them for a long time, and I promised to give 10 million pesos out of my own pocket for the capture of this criminal and terrorist group,” Co said in Filipino in a statement released by his office on Tuesday.
READ: Bicol most wanted man, cohort die in clash with cops in Parañaque
The Concepcion Criminal Group was led by Gilbert Concepcion, also known as “Bert” or “Pogi.” He was killed on Jan. 24 during a shootout with the police in Parañaque City.
An earlier Inquirer report said that Concepcion was listed as the Department of the Interior and Local Government’s most wanted person in Bicol, with a bounty of P420,000.
“The killing of Gilbert Concepcion, leader of the notorious Concepcion Criminal Group, demonstrates the capability of our police in dismantling organized crime networks and protecting our citizens,” Co stressed.
Following Concepcion’s death, the Bicol Police Regional Office cracked down on the remaining members of the infamous gang through a series of follow-up operations.
READ: Criminal gang members in Bicol fall after death of leader
“The reward we gave is a recognition of the heroism of the police officers who are willing to risk their lives just to ensure the safety of the public,” Co said.
He added that the monetary reward is to acknowledge the PNP officers’ bravery and sacrifices who “confront dangers to protect” the public.