CIDG targets bank rob gangs

After a series of successful operations against kidnappers, the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) will now focus its operations on bank robbers and holdup gangs.

Superintendent Alejandro Gutierrez, head of the CIDG-Criminal Investigation and Detection Division (CIDD) said that at least 14 bank robbery groups will be the center of their operations in the next few weeks.

CIDG director Chief Superintendent Arturo Lomibao has ordered the CIDD to intensify its campaign against bank robbery following the successful campaign against kidnapping.

Gutierrez said his team has identified several of the leaders of the 14 bank robbery groups as well as their hideouts.

On orders of Lomibao, Gutierrez has deployed tracker teams in different parts of the country to locate wanted criminals.

CIDG-CIDD operatives were responsible in the capture of Feliciano Laygo, the No. 6 man in the most wanted list of the National Anti-Kidnapping Task Force (NAKTF). Laygo, who had a P500,000 bounty on his head was arrested by CIDG agents in Barangay Lagalag, Tiaong, Quezon last March 18.

The CIDG, along with NAKTAF and Police Anti-Crime and Emergency Response (PACER) teams, were also responsible for the arrest of 15 suspected members of the Waray-Waray kidnap-for-ransom group last Saturday in operations in Antipolo and Fairview, Quezon City.

A Filipino-Chinese victim was rescued during the operation.