5 "goons" nabbed in San Fernando

CEBU, Philippines - Five suspected armed goons allegedly hired by a local politician were arrested last Tuesday evening by the members of the Philippine Army conducting foot patrol in the mountain barangays of San Fernando.

Among those arrested for illegal possession of firearms and violation of the Comelec gun ban were two confidential agents of the military and a barangay tanod.

San Fernando police identified the suspects as Nelson Caballero, 36; Jayson Cabrera,23; Virgilio Mala-ay,44; and Jackson Salas,42, all of Cebu City and Macario Delima, tanod of barangay Cabatbatan.

Except for Delima the suspects were in possession of two Caliber 38 revolvers, one .357 magnum revolver and a knife.

Salas and Cabrera were also in possession of military IDs showing that they are confidential agents of the Armed Forces of the Philippines.

Members of the 78th Infantry Battalion led by 1st Lieutenant Jay Dayap accosted the suspects in a nipa hut owned by Delima in Barangay Cabatbatan, San Fernando at around 9:30 p.m. last Tuesday after receiving information about the presence of armed men in the area.

Salas, in an interview over DYLA, admitted they were hired to work for Vice Mayor Antonio Canoy who is running for mayor against reelectionist Mayor Lakambini Reluya.

Salas said a certain Crisente Ricaplaza and retired policeman Ben Abella hired them to help maintain peace and order in San Fernando.

Salas identified Barangay Magsiko councilman Elvino Arañas, a known supporter of Canoy, as the one who paid them P3,200 each.

It was also Arañas who gave them instruction to watch for people who will harass the voters and engage in vote buying on the eve of the election day.

Salas said they were issued firearms allegedly for their protection. Delima denied any involvement of the group saying Arañas only requested him to allow them to stay in his hut.

Canoy also in an interview over DYLA denied knowing the suspects but admitted Arañas is his supporter. Canoy claimed this could be another demolition job from his opponent, an accusation that Reluya quickly dismissed.

In a press conference, Reluya rebuffed Canoy’s claim, saying it was even she who pushed to include the town in the CPPO’s watch-list for a peaceful election.

The lady mayor did not accuse Canoy of anything but said they will know the truth shall come out after the police’s investigation.

San Fernando was included in the CPPO’s watch-list following the reported sightings of armed men in the area, and for possible election-related tension that may arise. — Gabriel C. Bonjoc and Liv G. Campo/FPL (THE FREEMAN)