3 private armed groups busted

SAN FERNANDO CITY, La Union — Three private armed groups were busted on Sunday in separate operations conducted by policemen in Pangasinan and Ilocos Norte.

Ilocos police director Chief Superintendent Leopoldo Bataoil told The STAR that police operatives in Malasique, Pangasinan arrested Manny Colisao in his hideout in Barangay Banaoang early Sunday.

Colisao is the alleged leader of a criminal gang maintaining an armed group involved in gun-for-hire, hijacking, and robberies in the third and fourth districts of Pangasinan.

Police caught Colisao in possession of one caliber .45 pistol and several rounds of ammunition. Bataoil said Colisao has pending cases of robbery-holdup in Manaoag and San Jacinto towns.

In a separate operation, Pangasinan police arrested retired Master Sgt. Modesto Melchor and his brother, Dominador, in Barangay Panaga, Laoac town for illegal possession of firearms.

Police confiscated from the suspects one M16 rifle, a caliber .45, and live bullets and magazines of M16.

In Ilocos Norte, Bataoil reported that police operatives have conducted Operation Bakal, which resulted in the arrest of Carlos Philip Aguinaldo, 27, and John Kerwin, 29, both of Barangay VI, Pasquin town.

"The neutralization of these groups is in line with our duties in the upcoming elections particularly in the crackdown of armed groups and private armies that could be used to disrupt peace and order situations," Bataoil said.