Former NBI agent who headed Central Luzon rob gang nabbed

CAMP OLIVAS, Pampanga — Police believe they have busted another notorious highway-robbery syndicate in Central Luzon with the arrest of a former National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) agent, the gang’s alleged leader, and four of his henchmen in Angeles City last Thursday.

Superintendent Christopher Laxa, of the regional Criminal Investigation and Detection Group, said former NBI agent Ruben Marin Jr. and his four cohorts — Ignacio Garcia, Robledo Sanchez, Ronnie Ibañez and Dranreb Cunanan — were nabbed in their safehouse in Barangay Malabanas.

The arresting team was armed with a warrant from Judge Blas Causapin of the Guimba, Nueva Ecija Regional Trial Court.

Seized from the suspects were a handgrenade, a rifle grenade, a caliber .38 revolver, a caliber .22 rifle, a super caliber .38 revolver, a caliber .30 Carbine rifle and several bullets.

Also found in their possession were suspected stolen vehicles such as two motorcycles, an owner-type jeep, an Isuzu Elf and a Besta van, allegedly belonging to Melchor Caluag, chairman of Barangay Dolores in the City of San Fernando.

Police also found a wallet containing an NBI badge and identification card under Marin’s name.

The syndicate has been tagged in several highway robberies, car thefts and hijackings in Central Luzon.

Charges of car theft, illegal possession of firearms and ammunition and illegal drugs have been filed against the five suspects.