17 wanted men fall in Calabarzon

CAMP VICENTE LIM, Laguna, Philippines – Authorities have arrested 17 men wanted for various criminal offenses in different towns and provinces in Calabarzon (Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal and Quezon), a police official said yesterday.

Of the number, four were arrested in Cavite, two each in Laguna and Batangas, one in Rizal and eight in Quezon province, Calabarzon police director Chief Superintendent Richard Albano said.

Most of the men have been charged for murder, robbery, qualified theft, frustrated homicide, and homicide.

Albano said the operations, which were conducted over the weekend, were part of the Oplan Lambat-Sibat, an anti-crime measure the Philippine National Police said was proven effective in Metro Manila and nearby areas.

Superintendent Chitadel Gaioran, spokesperson for Calabarzon police, said five police chiefs in the region have been relieved from their posts for failing to arrest wanted men in their respective jurisdictions.