CITY OF SAN FERNANDO – A fugitive allegedly facing strings of criminal cases in various courts in Pampanga and other areas in Central Luzon was arrested by lawmen during raid in his hideout at Summerfield Homes, Barangay San Rafael, Mexico town Sunday.
Chief Inspector Rommel Labalan, chief of the Pampanga Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG), identified the suspect as Jerry Magsanoc Villota, 49, alleged leader of the Miranda Criminal Gang operating in region 3 areas.
Sensing surrounded by lawmen, Labalan said the suspect did not resist arrest and yielded a 380 caliber pistol. Residents in the community tipped-off CIDG on the presence of the suspect who is known to be elusive.
Miranda Criminal Gang, according to police records is involved in gun-for-hire, robbery hold-up and other unlawful activities.
Armed with search warrant issued by Executive Judge Celso Baguio of Gapan City Regional Trial Court (RTC), the policemen raided Villota residence past 6 p.m., at Block 4, Lot 48 of said subdivision.
Labalan said the searched was carried out by CIDG operatives in the presence of barangay officials and other house occupants.
Aside from handgun, the suspect also yielded 56 pieces of bullets for the same calibre of firearm and two pieces of cartridge for calibre.380 pistol.
Labalan said the suspect was brought to City Prosecutors Office for Inquest proceedings as illegal possession of firearm and ammunition is being readied against him.
Villota remained in the custody of Pampanga CIDT. –Jess Malabanan