NBI busts KFR-robbery gang

Agents of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) foiled a robbery of a pawnshop in Quezon City with the arrest of four members of a sub-group of the notorious Waray-Waray Gang believed behind a series of kidnappings and robberies in Metro Manila.

"We were able to stop a criminal group behind kidnapping-for-ransom activities, said NBI Director Reynaldo Wycoco when he presented the suspects to reporters yesterday afternoon.

The Lagado group is considered the most barbaric group because members usually kill the driver and companion of their target to terrorize the victim’s families as well as those intending to rescue or help them, Wycoco pointed out. It is the most active kidnap-for-ransom group in Metro Manila, victimizing wealthy Filipino-Chinese.

Wycoco commended NBI agents under the Reaction, Arrest and Interdiction Division, headed by lawyer Ruel Lasala, for a job well done.

The suspects were identified as Calvin Lagado, 35, the alleged leader of one of the sub-group; Pacifico Orja, 28; Abeto Puertollano, 37; all from Jaro, Leyte and Castroverde Neil, 35, of Sagay, Negros Occidental.

Lasala said Lagado’s four other men identified as Alvin Cornista, alias Monday; Hector Cornista; Lupin Superable and Gary Alvero managed to escape when they sensed they were being tailed by NBI agents.

Lasala noted that the arrest came after an informant relayed to them that the Lagado group was about to pull off another heist in Quezon City.

Based on records, the Lagado group was responsible for the abduction and killing of Coca-Cola executive Betty Chua Sy and other kidnappings in Metro Manila.

Lasala wasted no time and formed a team, which proceeded to Barangay Rosario in Pasig City, where the gang members would be meeting.

At around 3 a.m. last Saturday, NBI agents spotted a Tamaraw FX van (TVS-459) and two motorcycles.

NBI agents followed the group for four hours.

However, the suspects noticed they were being tailed by NBI agents shortly after passing North Avenue. The suspects’ vehicles suddenly made a U-turn to escape their pursuers.

NBI agents managed to catch up with them and blocked their path and accosted the suspects.

Wycoco said agents seized one Jericho pistol; one caliber .45; one caliber .38 revolver, five live grenades and ammunition, all of which were unlicensed.

Records showed that the Lagado group was responsible for the kidnapping of a 10-year-old student in Paco, Manila last year. The child’s driver was killed when he tried to resist .

The Lagado group was also linked to the abduction of two Filipino-Chinese men in Quezon City and Binondo, Manila last year.

Wycoco said the group was also involved in a robbery of a store in Antipolo, where the owner was shot dead.