THE Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG)–Negros Occidental filed criminal charges against the 12 persons who were involved in a shootout at Barangay Masaling in Cauayan, Negros Occidental Thursday.
Chief Inspector John Paul Tovera, head of CIDG-Negros Occidental, said charges for illegal possession of firearms and ammunition in relation to violation of Commission on Elections (Comelec) gun ban, and illegal possession of explosives were filed Friday, May 18, against Rodel Taquiso; Salem Teodolo; Jose Sambilad, 41, of Bago City; Nomeriano Tiñosa, 39; Ricardo Melecoton, 18, both residents of Silay City; Mark Dela Cruz, 33; Gener Uldaim, 25; and Joseph Taguan, 39, all residents of Cauayan town; and wounded suspects Chris Jun Taquiso, 31; Romy Taquiso, 35; and Lusino Demol, 50, all residents of Cauayan town; and Raymund Melocoton, 29, of Silay City.
Tovera said additional charges will also be filed against these suspects.
He said they are still checking the background of Rodante Lontoc, who was able to escape during the operation. He also clarified that there was no most wanted person that was supposed to be arrested during the raid.
On May 17, 10 persons, including four policemen, were injured during the raid in Cauayan town after the 12 suspects, who claimed to be workers in a hacienda, allegedly fired at the police operatives, who were supposed to apply a search warrant on the house of Rodel Taquiso; Salem Teodolo for violation of Republic Act 10591 or Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act.
The two subject persons were allegedly members of Galendez gun-for-hire group.
Tovera said they will also check if some of the suspects were indeed licensed security guards.
Police recovered from the scene three Armscor shotgun, .38 caliber revolver, .45 caliber pistol, two hand grenades, binocular, 18 live ammunition of 12 gauge shotgun, 19 live ammunition of .38 caliber revolver, five live ammunition of .45 caliber pistol, six live ammunition of .22 caliber, two empty cartridge cases of 12 gauge shotgun, 14 cellular phones, and a belt bag.
The recovered items were placed under the custody of the CIDG-Negros Occidental and will be subjected to a ballistic examination.
During the raid, the wounded policemen were Police Officer 3 Reynaldo Bauden Jr., Police Officer 2 Rolando Algje Prieto, Senior Police Officer 2 Bryan Tabor, and Police Officer 1 Gary Norico, all personnel of Negros Occidental Provincial Mobile Force Company (Nocpmfc).
A woman and a 12-year-old child were also reportedly hit by stray bullets during the shootout.
Wounded suspects are still confined at Mother of Mercy Hospital in Kabankalan City and were while injured police officers are still admitted at a hospital in Bacolod City.
Tovera said the CIDG with the assistance of Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office (Nocppo) conducted the operation through the court’s order after learning that the area has an alleged presence of armed men.
“There was a probable cause in our operation,” Tovera added.
Ramon Hilado, in an earlier interview, said the hacienda was guarded because there is an ongoing case in court regarding the land and that there were no armed men existing in the area.
Tovera said it is the right of the other party to file charges against them if they have basis. (GYM)