10 suspected criminal gang members face raps

CEBU, Philippines - Criminal complaints for illegal possession of firearms and dangerous drugs were filed yesterday before the Cebu Provincial Prosecutor’s Office against the 10 suspected criminal elements who were arrested Saturday during a simultaneous raid in Dalaguete and Alcoy.

The respondents are Erwin Amandoron, 41, husband of the barangay captain of Nalhub, Dalaguete; Randy Belda, 32; Lucino Quivido, 58; Vicente Asenjo, 36; Michael Manriquez, 45, barangay councilman of Jolomaynon, Dalaguete; Hermigildo Capal, 65; Esteban Salonoy, 60; Timoteo Amaca, 35, barangay councilman of Nug-as, Alcoy; Mario Coronel, 49; and Alvin Coronel, 20.

Amandoron, Capal, and Amaca manifested before state prosecutors Petronio Elesterio and Ferdinand Collantes during inquest investigation that they want to avail of the preliminary investigation. They were given seven days to file their respective counter-affidavit.

Belda, Quivido, Asenjo, Manriquez, Salonoy, and the two Coronels opted not to face the charges directly in court.

The Police Regional Office-7 and the Cebu Provincial Police Office conducted simultaneous raid in the towns of Dalaguete and Alcoy on October 18, 2014 resulting in the arrest of the suspects and the killing of Jojo Gañolon, Jaylhone Mercado, and Lorenzo Coronel during a shootout.

Gañolon was reportedly the leader of a gun-for-hire group operating in southern Cebu. He was arrested for drugs but escaped in 2011 while attending a court hearing in Argao.  CPPO director Senior Superintendent Noel Gillamac said the operation stemmed from several complaints received by Governor Hilario Davide III about the criminal activities of the suspects. He said the suspects were involved in drugs, robbery, extortion, and gun-for-hire.

Authorities were able to seize assorted firearms, grenades, several magazines, and rounds of ammunition. Aside from that, the authorities likewise seized bundle of dried ma-rijuana leaves and several packs of shabu.— (FREEMAN)