Cordillera private army dismantled

MANILA, Philippines - A private armed group operating in Cordillera was neutralized with the arrest of its leader and his top aide during a raid in Abra recently.

Philippine National Police chief Director General Nicanor Bartolome said the arrest of Prudencio Britanico, 44, and Robert Villastiqui, 39, both wanted for murder, would mean a more peaceful environment in Abra and nearby provinces, especially during elections.

Reports submitted to Bartolome’s office showed Britanico and Villatiqui were arrested by Abra policemen in Barangay Dela Paz, Pasig City Sunday evening.

Cordillera regional director Chief Superintendent Benjamin Magalong said the suspects belong to the notorious Britanico Group operating in Abra, and is believed responsible for at least seven, mostly politically motivated, shooting incidents in the province recently.