Caraga kidnap gang leader killed in shootout

MANILA, Philippines - Police foiled on Wednesday an attempt to kidnap a member of a prominent family in Surigao City by shooting it out with six members of a gun-for-hire syndicate, resulting in the killing of their leader and the arrest of his cohorts.

The suspected kidnap gang leader, Dino Patosa, sustained multiple gunshot wounds and died while being rushed to the Caraga Regional Hospital in Surigao City.

The Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) said Patosa headed a gun-for-hire syndicate engaged in big-time robberies in the Caraga region.

Arrested after the encounter were Globert Aleria, 37, and Gerry Obenita, 27, both former Army soldiers; Ronald Brunio, 30; Julito Beling, 42; and Norie Apac, 40.

Senior Inspector Gerson Soliven, CIDG-Surigao del Norte chief, said the suspects opened fire at them, prompting his group to return fire.

Last Nov. 9, the CIDG-Caraga received a report that Patosa’s group was planning to kidnap a member of the Laurente clan in Surigao City.

CIDG operatives recovered two motorcycles used by the group, a grenade, two .45-caliber pistols, a homemade 5.56-caliber revolver, and several bullets.