THE regional chief of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) in Northern Mindanao revealed they arrested two women who have links to Marvin Fajardo, the alleged leader of a criminal group who died in an operation in Cagayan de Oro City last week.
CIDG-Northern Mindanao regional Chief Police Colonel Raymund Liguden identified the arrested women as sisters Irish, 33, and Richelle Manaig, 25, who both live in Barangay Lawa, Calamba City, Laguna.
Liguden said Irish is Fajardo's girlfriend.
They were both in Fajardo's house during the raid and tried to escape, but were intercepted by police.
Liguden said the two were interrogated, hoping they would yield information that would determine other possible criminal activity of the group in the region and other areas.
Even without possessing firearms, the CIDG will press charges against the Manaig sisters for illegal possession of firearms.
"Walang armas na in possession but they were with the suspects, they knew armado na kasama nila. Ang sabi ng batas kung alam mo na may criminal activity and you are consenting to it, and the possession of illegal firearms, ikaw na nakakaalam yet you did not report, constructively you are liable," Liguden said.
In May this year, Calabarzon Police received information that Fajardo was hiding in Cagayan de Oro. The following month, authorities were able to confirm this report through a confidential informant that he was living in a posh subdivision in Barangay Lumbia.
Since then, Fajardo was the subject of tailing and surveillance. It was learned that during his stay, Fajardo was moving a lot, going to resorts, in and out of the city.
Liguden said it is not clear why Fajardo chose Cagayan de Oro as his hideout, but added the suspect needed to lie low after being involved in numerous crimes in Calabarzon.
Police were serving a warrant of arrest at Fajardo's residence, but he allegedly opened fire prompting authorities to engage in a gunfight.
Fajardo was killed during the gunfight, including his companions Andrew Redondo and a certain Adrian.
However, Fajardo's arrest warrant was only for direct assault. It was issued by Judge Michelle C. Manaig-Calumpong of 4th Judicial Region in Municipal Circuit Trial Court of Tanauan City in Batangas on December 1, 2013.
Liguden said they are yet to establish the connection between the other two men and Fajardo.
After the deadly raid, police recovered two .45 pistol, 357 revolver, identification cards, gadgets, and other personal effects.
The Fajardo criminal group is allegedly involved in gun-for-hire, illegal drugs and robbery extortion activities operating in Batangas City, Laguna, National Capital Region, and other nearby provinces in Luzon.