POLICE forces have arrested 75 people, consisting of provincial jail detainees and guards, utilized as Private Armed Groups (PAGs) in the province of Zamboanga del Sur, the police reported on Sunday, May 13.
Chief Superintendent Billy Beltran, Police Regional Office-Zamboanga Peninsula director, said the suspects were arrested in a law enforcement operation around 8 a.m., Saturday, May 12, in the village of Dao, Pagadian City, the capital of Zamboanga del Sur.
Beltran said the detainees, who are being utilized as PAGs, especially during elections, were facing different criminal charges.
He said the arrested suspects consisted of 69, five provincial jail guards and one security guard.
He said that 32 of the 69 detainees were facing murder charges; 13 rape; 12 for violation of Republic Act 9165 otherwise known as the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002; four homicide; four frustrated murder; three for violation of Republic Act 10591 otherwise known as the firearms regulation law; and, one attempted murder.
He said the arrested provincial jail guards were identified as Gildo Marto, 38; Reynante Pinuela, 39; Gerold Laurito, 31; Alex Sambilad; Lito Manzano, 49.
The security guard was identified as Erwin Pacencia, 44.
Beltran said the arresting team confiscated from the suspect assorted high powered firearms and ammunition.
He said the suspects will be charged for violation of Articles 223 and 157 of Revised Penal Code and Violation of Republic Act 10591 in relation to Omnibus Election Code Law. (SunStar Philippines)