(Updated 4:01pm) ARAYAT, Pampanga – Five persons including a former town mayor and barangay chairman believed to be members of a private armed group led by the former local chief executive have been arrested during raid Wednesday dawn at Barangay Cacutud here.
Chief Inspector Reynold Macabitas, Chief of the Pampanga Criminal Investigation and Detection Field Office, identified the suspects as ex-Arayat town mayor Luisito “Chito” Espino, Barangay Cacutud Chairman Rosendo Dizon, Romy Mallari, 42, Rosauro Santos, 35, and Cesar Peralta, 25.
Macabitas said Espino’s group was placed under surveillance following reports of its involvement in different criminal activities ranging from robbery hold-up, illegal drugs trafficking, gun-for-hire and coddling of most wanted person specifically Junel Ocampo, Central Luzon’s most wanted person.
“We’ve already exceeded the target time. The original plan is to hit our target during weekend because according to our informant the suspects regroup during weekend,” said Macabitas at a press conference.
Armed with search warrant issued by Judge AnaMarie Joson-Viterbo of Cabanatuan City Regional Trial Court, Macabitas said his men backed by PNP-SAF barged inside the residential compound of Espino but were meted with strong resistance.
In fact, a member of the PNP-SAF assault team was wounded during the first volley of gunfire. He identified the injured policeman as PO2 Robert Ron Gamao Fernandez who was immediately rushed to nearby hospital for treatment.
Barangay Cacutud chairman Rosendo Dizon (orange shirt) is herded to CIDG office shortly after his arrest. also in photo are Rosauro Santos and Romy Mallari. –Jess Malabanan
Espino admitted he returned fire at the policemen who rushes towards his room. “I was cornered at the comfort room yelling to them to identify themselves as I was already shouting my name.”
Explosion believed from detonated hand grenade exploded inside the compound, said Macabitas.
Espino said he peacefully surrendered when he learned that the armed men were members of the PNP.
Macabitas said the raiding team secured the area before they initiated the search. His men found high-powered firearms including M16 rifle, three calibre .45 pistol, a 9mm calibre pistol, three pieces of hand grenades, two rifle grenades, a bag of shabu purportedly weighing 50 grams, and ammunition for different kinds of firearms.
Espino denied owning the grenade and illegal drugs but admitted he has M16 rifle and a calibre .45 pistol. “All my firearms are license but I failed to apply for the renewal of license due to busy schedule.”
Espino served nine years as chief executive in this town. He sought re-election in 2010 polls but failed.
Espino claimed he was kicked in the face by one of the police after being subdued. His companions also suffered bruises and cuts in different parts of their bodies.
The suspects including Espino were brought to CIDG Pampanga undergoing investigation and for drug test procedure. Criminal charges are being readied against the suspects.
In September last year, police and anti-narcotics operatives had discovered the mega shabu laboratory at the foot of Mount Arayat in Barangay Lacquios. The raiding team found seven large hyrogenerators that can reportedly manufacture 50 to 100 kilograms of shabu per day.