THREE members of the Kuratong Baleleng and Ozamis robbery groups were killed while two others were arrested in separate operations in Mandaue City on Friday, April 5.
Operatives of the City Intelligence Branch (CIB) of the Mandaue City Police Office (MCPO) led by Police Lt. Col. Bernouli Abalos were serving search warrants against Eduardo Omac Baliling and Frederez Secretario when shootouts occurred during both operations.
Abalos confirmed that their subjects were members of the Kuratong Baleleng and Ozamis robbery groups based in Mindanao.
CIB operatives first served a search warrant for Baliling in his house in Sitio Paradise in Barangay Looc at 11 p.m.
Abalos said Baliling and Secretario were issued search warrants by Regional Trial Court (RTC) Judge Mercedita Dadole-Ygnacio for illegal possession of firearms and ammunition.
As CIB operatives were about to search Baliling’s house, they were fired at, prompting them to fight back.
Baliling and fellow gang member Henry Labajo were killed during the shootout while their companion Elizalde Colanag was arrested.
Police recovered two .45 pistols that were reportedly owned by the suspects who were killed in the operation and a .38 pistol from Colanag.
Around the same time, another CIB team also attempted to serve a search warrant against Secretario in Barangay Tingub.
But as operatives were about to arrest Secretario, Jessie Parojinog, one of the subject’s companions, suddenly pulled out a pistol and started shooting the police.
Parojinog was killed when the police retaliated, while Secretario managed to escape.
The police were able to arrest Parojinog’s nephew, Niel, 24, after the operation.
Abalos said they have been monitoring their subjects for a month.
He said they received reports that members of the group have been hiding in Mandaue City the past months. (from FMD of SuperBalita Cebu/JKV)