Isabela’s ‘most wanted’ falls

ILAGAN, Isabela — This region’s most wanted person was finally collared by authorities yesterday (Dec. 19) in a remote area in a Cagayan town following several months of hiding.

George Bergonia most wanted in the list of the Philippine National Police in the region, was arrested by elements of the Philippine Army’s 41st Infantry Battalion in a chance operation in remote sitio Mocag in Baggao town in Cagayan.

Bergonia, who has several warrants of arrest in various courts is Isabela and Cagayan for multiple rape, multiple murder, and strings of robbery involvement, has a P200,000 price on his head. Seized with him inside his hut during the chance arrest was an M16 Armalite rifle, five grenades and a cal. .38 revolver.

Bergonia is still confined at the Cagayan Valley Medical Center (CVMC) in Tuguegarao City, Cagayan for a seriously sprained left wrist he sustained after trying to fight it out with Army operatives.

Earlier, police arrested last week (Dec. 15) the main suspect in the killing of a family of five from nearby Tuao town last year.

Danny Corpuz, suspect in the murder of couple Arthur and Dulsema Laquiao and children Arnold and Jovelyn, was arrested by police at CVMC where he was being treated for wounds he sustained in an earlier encounter with lawmen.

Corpuz along with other John Does is facing multiple murder and multiple homicide at the Municipal Circuit Trial Court in Tuao for the family massacre incident on Sept. 20 last year in Tuao.

Corpuz allegedly led nine unidentified armed men in shooting at the Laquiao residence, resulting in the immediate death of Arthur and Dulce, and their two children. — Charlie Lagasca