9 suspected hitmen nabbed in Laguna

Camp Vicente Lim, Laguna – The Regional Special Operations Group (RSOG) held nine suspected hired killers and seized high-powered firearms and explosives during a checkpoint operation Tuesday night.

Superintendent James Brillantes, RSOG chief, said that after receiving a tip from informant that there was a slay plot against a Laguna councilor, they were able to intercept the nine suspects while on board a coaster at the Mamplasan Exit in Biñan, Laguna, past 7 p.m.

Brillantes identified the suspects as Jordan Cepeda, of Rizal, Kalinga;Victor Baluran, of Tuguegarao; Roy Caberoz, of Tuao Cagayan.; Nilo Patay, of Rizal, Cagayan; Ariel Natividad, of Tuguegarao; Allan dela Cruz, of Carig Sur, Tuguegarao; Onofre Ladera, of Coner, Apayao; Ryan dela Cruz, of Carig Sur, Tuguerao; and Keldivic Baluran, of Piat, Cagayan.

Brillantes said the suspects, who claimed to be construction workers, were heading for Cagayan province and denied knowing each other.

However, in an interrogation, the suspects allegedly admitted the slay plot against a councilor in San Pedro, Laguna.

Among the firearms seized from the suspects were five Armalite rifles, three M-14 rifles, explosives, and camouflage and fatigue uniforms, as well as C-4 plastic explosives and bonnets.

Police are now investigating reports that the workers are employees of a local mayor in Cagayan Valley.

Investigators refused to reveal the identity of the target, who is reportedly planning to run as mayor of Rizal, Cagayan, but has a house in San Pedro.

"The suspects were about to go back to Cagayan after they failed to find their target in Laguna and it was then that our policemen assigned a checkpoint in Laguna," Brilliantes said.

The suspects refused to give statements are now detained here pending the filing of charges for illegal possession of firearms and explosives.

Brilliantes admitted that when they set up the checkpoint at around 4:30 p.m., they had no idea about the profiles of the suspects. Three hours later, policemen intercepted a van, with license plate RBH-669, with nine male passengers.

When the vehicle was searched, the cops were surprised to see C-4 explosives, blasting caps, detonating cords, M-16 and M-14 Armalite rifles, rounds of ammunition for assault weapons, M-203 grenade launcher rounds, camouflage uniforms and bonnets.

Southern Tagalog Police Regional Director Chief Superintendent Nicasio Radovan expressed belief that they have neutralized a partisan armed group.

"What we are trying to find out is who are their financiers or those who hired them to carry out the job," Radovan added. – With Cecille Suerte-Felipe, Ed Amoroso