4 “hired guns” linked to carnapping, drugs

CEBU, Philippines - The Cebu Provincial Police Office yesterday revealed that the four suspected guns-for-hire arrested in Asturias last Tuesday were also involved in carnapping and illegal drug trade.

CPPO director Patrocinio Comendador said that based on intelligence report Francisco Ariba, 31, Gerondio Lanticse, 33, Irene Responso, 23, and Rene Boy Tariao, 39, are also into carnapping and drug pushing.

“Uban ani nila naay skills sa carnapping, naay gun-for-hire ug involved pud ug drugs,” Comendador told The FREEMAN.

Comendador however did not anymore elaborate pending investigation. He said that Ariba is believed to be the leader of the gang. He is reportedly subject of a manhunt operation because of his involvement in several shooting incidents in the province.

Ariba, Lanticse and Responso are residents of Pulpogan, Consolacion while Tariao is from Poblacion, Danao City.

The suspects were arrested in a lodging house in Asturias, Cebu after a concerned citizen reported their presence to the police. The informant was suspicious of them.

The police recovered several drug paraphernalia, two caliber .45 pistols with several live ammunitions and four magazines, a bonnet, a notebook containing list of names with corresponding amounts, bullet proof vests, five cellular phones, a Toyota Vios with plate number YGP 223, and a Honda Wave motorcycle (TP 7TC02606).

The police are now preparing criminal complaints for illegal possession of firearms against the suspects. — (FREEMAN)