Alleged leader of crime group killed, 2 others nabbed in Isabela

DELFIN ALBANO, Isabela — An alleged leader of a crime group operating in northern Isabela was killed while two of his members were arrested in an operation in nearby Barumbun, Santo Tomas town on Thursday, April 16, after shooting a farmer in this town, police said.

Delfin Albano and Santo Tomas police, along with the provincial intelligence and mobile force police forces, earlier chased the armed men, who were tagged as shooters who wounded Michael Melad in this town, Col. Manuel Bringas, Isabela police provincial director, said.

Killed was Nicolas Magsanoc, who was also listed in the drug watchlist.

READ: Leader of group linked to Calabarzon store heists surrenders

Magsanoc’s alleged men, Jojo Acosta, who was also in the drugs watchlist of this town, and Rogelio Lantero Jr. of Tumauini town, were arrested.

The men allegedly rode a motorcycle and fled to nearby Santo Tomas town after shooting Melad. A dragnet operation was immediately done.

Police have brought the two men to the police for custody while frustrated murder charges are being readied against them. /das