A SUSPECTED member of an extortion gang who is also facing criminal charges was arrested in the province of Zamboanga del Norte, a police official said Tuesday.
Zamboanga del Norte police director Senior Superintendent James Mejia identified the arrested gang member as Bernardo Deniega, 19, of Balas village, Labason municipality.
Mejia said Deniega was arrested by policemen from Labasion town headed by Senior Inspector Camer Lacay on the strength of a warrant of arrest for the crime of murder with no bail recommended issued by the Court.
Mejia said the policemen were conducting checkpoint in the village of Osukan, Labason town, when they chanced upon Deniega and arrested him.
Deniega is a member of the Sapii Lawless Group operating in the province of Zamboanga del Norte, Mejia said.
The group, which is engaged in extortion and other criminality, is headed by Omar Arasi, said Mejia.
