PRO-7 to commend cops in Consolacion raid

CEBU, Philippines - The Police Regional Office (PRO)-7 will be giving a commendation to the raiding teams for their success in arresting Francisco “Boyet” Ariva, leader of  the Boyet Ariva Group who was involved in a shootout with operatives last Thursday.

Chief Supt. Marcelo Garbo Jr., PRO-7 director, said a medal will be given individually to the operatives of the Regional Anti-Illegal Drugs Special Operation Task Group (RAIDSOTG), Regional Intelligence Division (RID) and the Provincial Intelligence Branch (PIB).

“Of course we will give them…noon medal at promotion ‘yung naibibigay kaso wala nang promotion ngayon kaya medal na lang,” Garbo said in a phone interview.

The PRO-7 is waiting for the detailed incident report of the raiding teams which will be submitted to Deputy Regional Director for Operation, Sr. Supt. Orlando Ualat.

The commendation is expected to be given after the Holy Week.

Aside from the PRO-7, the Cebu Provincial Anti-Illegal Drug Abuse Commission will also give commendations and incentives to the police operatives.

The CPAIDAC wants to raise the P3,000 cash incentive earlier offered by acting Governor Agnes Magpale to the raiding teams.

Ariva was arrested by operatives last Thursday evening at his friend’s house where he hid following the shootout in Barangay Pulpogan, Consolacion early morning that same day.

Ariva did not resist arrest and surrendered high-powered guns.

He even admitted that his accomplice, Heronjo Lantaksi, was the one who started firing at the operatives.

Operatives, however, failed to arrest Lantaksi.

Armed with search warrants, different special units raided four houses in the said barangay which resulted to the death of Rene Boy Tarriao, Ian Siacol, Vicente Judaya, and Jerson Resme.

Several packets of shabu worth P300,000; assorted firearms, bullets, and drug paraphernalia were also seized.

Suspects were allegedly guns-for-hire and involved in the illegal drugs trade.

Police are hopeful that with the arrest of Ariva and his accomplice, shooting incidents and distribution of shabu is neutralized. (FREEMAN)