Top druggies targets of slain gang members, says PNP exec

A member of a kidnap gang, wearing a police uniform, is sprawled across a pavement after a shootout with policemen along Maharlika Highway in San Pablo City, Laguna. —PHOTO CONTRIBUTED BY CALABARZON PNP

LUCENA CITY — The death of five suspected members of a kidnap gang in a shootout in San Pablo City on Tuesday destroyed an emerging criminal group, targeting high-profile drug suspects in Southern Tagalog and Central Luzon regions, a police official said.

“Posing as law enforcers, they [resort to extortion] and in some cases, kidnap their targets in exchange for a huge amount,” said Senior Supt. Rhoderick Armamento, Quezon provincial police director.

Safe house

On Tuesday, policemen clashed with the group along Maharlika Highway in San Pablo City.

Aside from the five gang members, PO1 Ma. Zarah Jane Andal died in the shootout that broke out, as ransom payment was being arranged for the release of Ronaldo Arguelles, who was abducted in Candelaria town, Quezon, on Monday night.

Arguelles, who was wounded in the firefight, has pending drug-related cases in Quezon and Laguna.

Armamento said policemen raided the group’s safe house at Barangay San Isidro in Sto. Tomas town, Batangas province, and arrested a woman serving as caretaker of the area. A man, said to be a member of the group, escaped during the raid.

Cop uniforms

He said the woman told policemen that the police camouflage uniforms worn by the slain suspects were newly tailored.

“It was their first time to wear police uniforms as part of their [criminal activities]. They pose as policemen, as Philippine Drug Enforcement Authority agents or members of other law enforcement entities to hide their illegal activities,” he said.

Armamento said the police would review the records of Arguelles, who, he said, was included in the Candelaria police’s drug watch list. —DELFIN T. MALLARI JR.