KFR-rob gang falls in QC

An alleged member of a kidnap-for-ransom (KFR) group was killed while its leader and five other members were arrested by operatives of the Quezon City Police District (QCPD), following a chase and a shootout along Commonwealth Avenue yesterday.

Chief Inspector Rodolfo Jaraza, head of the QCPD’s Intelligence Unit, identified the slain suspect as Lino Moslares, of Feria Compound, Barangay Commonwealth, Quezon City. 

He sustained four gun shot wounds in the body when members of the Balasta group shot it out with lawmen.

Meanwhile, alleged gang leader Lito Balasta, whose earlier arrest led to the location of his cohorts, is currently being held at the District Police Intelligence Unit (DPIU) at Camp Karingal for further tactical interrogation.

Jaraza told The Star that Balasta had been under surveillance by his men for a month after his group was linked to several robbery incidents in Metro Manila.

He said Balasta led the KFR group, which would rob business establishments from time to time.

Jaraza said the Balasta group was responsible for the series of recent heists, including the robbery at the CMK Cellphone Co. on Roosevelt Avenue last July 15 and the robbery at the SSS Supermarket in Marikina City last July 16.

The group, he added, also attempted to kidnap a Filipino-Chinese businessman in Valenzuela City earlier this month, but was thwarted.

Balasta was arrested around 8:30 a.m. yesterday after DPIU teams staked out his hideout at the Feria Compound.  The operatives chased and intercepted Balasta while he was riding his motorcycle on Commenwealth Avenue. He had come from another safehouse in Payatas.

Balasta was taken to QCPD headquarters for tactical interrogation, during which the suspect revealed the location of his cohorts.

The QCPD-DPIU immediately launched a follow-up operation at the Feria Compound at around noon yesterday.

"Sinamahan kami ni Balasta para ituro kung sino-sino ang mga kasamahan niya.  Pero nung nakita kami ng mga kasama niya, nagkaputukan na," Jaraza told The Star.

Jaraza said a 15-minute shootout ensued between lawmen and five members of Balasta’s group, resulting in the killing of Moslares.  Four other suspects managed to escape.

The names of the five men have not been revealed.