CIDG nabs 3,756 suspects in first half of 2012

MANILA, Philippines - The Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) of the Philippine National Police has arrested 3,756 suspects in operations conducted nationwide for the first six months of this year.

In his report to PNP chief Director General Nicanor Bartolome, CIDG director Samuel Pagdilao said the unit’s Oplan (Operation Plan) “Salikop,” conducted from Jan. 1 to June 15, accounted for the arrest of 281 alleged members of organized crime groups and the neutralization of 61 crime groups all over the country.

Among the syndicates neutralized by the CIDG include those run by foreigners, such as the 37 Taiwanese and Chinese who were arrested in Parañaque City for transnational telecommunication fraud and a syndicate involved in illegal dogfights in Laguna that resulted in the arrest of eight South Koreans.

Also for the same period, Pagdilao said the CIDG busted big-time crime groups such as the Pegad Gang of robbers in Bohol with the arrest of four suspects and the Pacardo Group of Cagayan de Oro City involved in distribution of counterfeit US dollar bills.

Pagdilao said the CIDG’s aggressive drive against fugitives has resulted in the arrest of 2,436 “wanted” persons. Of this number, 314 were charged with murder, rape and other heinous crimes filed in different courts.

For the same period, the CIDG’s campaign against illegal gambling also resulted in the arrest of 204 violators, Pagdilao said.

Pagdilao said the success of the CIDG’s anti-criminality drive in the past six months were largely attributed to the active support and participation of members of the Community Investigative Support (CIS), who provided important information that led to the arrest of fugitives, neutralization of criminal gangs and the confiscation of loose firearms.

According to Pagdilao, he has already ordered all regional and provincial CIDG units to step up their campaign against loose firearms in line with the orders of President Aquino and Bartolome.