CIDG exec, 6 civilian agents nabbed over 'Agaw Bato' modus

MANILA, Philippines -Authorities nabbed six civilian agents and an official of the Philippine National Police's Criminal Investigation and Detection Group for allegedly engaging in criminal activities, including "recycling" of seized illegal drugs from suspected Chinese drug traffickers.

Chief Superintendent Benjamin Magalong, CIDG acting director, said operatives arrested Police Chief Inspector Bienvenido Reydado, the head of the agency's office in Pampanga, and six civilian agents --Adriano Laureta, Arnold Sanggalang, Eric Reydado, Edwardson Sisracon and Alberto Reydado-- for purportedly being involved in the "agaw bato" modus operandi.

Magalong said Sisracon is tagged as no. 2 most wanted fugitive in Naic, Cavite.

Based on initial reports, the fugitives and criminals are being employed by Reydado in his illegal activities.

Magalong said that the modus of Reydado's group is to launch operations against Chinese drug traffickers. Once arrested, the suspects are then brought to the safehouse of the group in Bulacan.

While at the hideout, the members of the group will then negotiate for the release of the drug traffickers in exchange for the drugs and money, Magalong said.

The seized drugs will then be "recycled" or sold again with Reydado telling his superiors at the national headquarters that the operation yielded negative results, Magalong added.

During the operation last Mar. 3, Magalong said CIDG and Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency agents, armed with search warrants against Reydado, confiscated five high powered firearms, 11 pistols, a rifle grenade and various magazines for different calibers in Brgy. Panginay, Balagtas, Bulacan and CIDG Pampanga office.

Authorities also seized around P2.6 million inside a vault, believed to be proceeds from the sale of methamphetamine hydrochloride or shabu, five sports utility vehicles and two motorcycles.