17 wanted persons nabbed in Central Mindanao

KIDAPAWAN CITY -- At least 17 wanted persons in Central Mindanao were arrested in just one week, police official said.

Of those arrested, 12 were facing frustrated murder charges, according to Senior Inspector Benjamin Mauricio, information division head of the Police Regional Office based in General Santos City.

Eight of those locked up in jail last week were employees of an electric cooperative in Midsayap, North Cotabato, who were charged of frustrated murder.

Mauricio identified the suspects as Norberto Suico, 53; Ricky Alquino, 38; Danny Penas, 54; Nestor Gabatilla Sr., 56; Felipe Lagancia, 45; Zoilo Alamo, 44, Teofilo Marescal, 57; and Alexander Braza, 55.

The order for their arrest was issued in August by Judge Jorge Jabido of the Regional Trial Court in Midsayap town.

They were released, however, from police custody after they posted bail, reports said.

Also arrested last week for attempted murder were Alfredo Saulan Pelle, 72, and son, Albert Pequirda Pelle, 35, both residents of Purok Halangdon, Barangay Benitez in Banga, South Cotabato.

In T'boli, also in South Cotabato, the police arrested Suro Pandian, 51, of Barangay Malugong, for frustrated murder.

In General Santos City, police nabbed 39-year-old Ricky Caunsag Dangao of Purok-Biao, Barangay San Jose, also for attempted murder.

Police also collared rape suspects identified as Junnel de Vibar and Glenn Donaire Bangkal, 26, both residents of General Santos City.

In Tacurong City, Sultan Kudarat, authorities apprehended suspected drug courier identified as Theng Mamasapano Sakal of Barangay Imbangan, Shariff Aguak, Maguindanao.

In Isulan, also in Sultan Kudarat province, police led by Chief Inspector Christian Antonio Garcia arrested Jesus Tiyok Pardillo, 36, due to grave threats.

Mauricio said the arrests of most wanted persons in Central Mindanao were part of an intensified campaign led by their police regional director, Chief Superintendent Alex Paul Monteagudo.

Mauricio quoted Monteagudo as saying that the police campaign against crime “never ends.”

Monteagudo commended his policemen for doing their job well.

The arrest of 17 wanted persons in one week is a feat, he said.

"Just by perseverance, our police can slowly stop them. We'll cut off the big cartels of illegal drugs. We'll sweep off their drug dens and encourage children to stay away from using drugs. We also won’t stop the arrest of wanted criminals who do cruel and violent things," Monteagudo added.