Gang leader, 4 cohorts nabbed in Calamba raid

LAGUNA, Philippines – The leader of a criminal syndicate and four of his cohorts, including a female, were arrested while one was killed in a shootout as police raided their rented house in Barangay Real, Calamba City yesterday morning.

Senior Superintendent Romulo Sapitula, Laguna police director, identified the suspects as Eric Tolentino-Liguido, said to be the leader of the “Liguido Gang,” Angela de Guia, 18; Sherwin Galang Tumambing, 26; Ramonsito  Fajardo, 35, and Saragoza Odpe, 38.

Ben Aquino, 36, who was hit in the back, died while being treated at the JP Rizal Hospital, according to Superintendent Marvin Saro, Calamba City police chief.

The Liguido gang is engaged in illegal drug activities and suspected of involvement in six related to drug trafficking in Laguna, Sapitula told The STAR.

He said Liguido was arrested three years ago. But was released after the court dismissed the drug cases filed against him.

Saro said the gang was under surveillance for one week prior to the raid.

Various firearms, shabu worth P50,000, shabu paraphernalia, P4,000 cash and  three motorcycles were among those seized from the suspects.