TO SERVE AND PROTECT. The Police Regional Office in Bicol (PRO5) arrested 261 wanted persons during the conduct of Simultaneous Anti-Criminality Law Enforcement Operations (SACLEO) on Tuesday (Aug. 30, 2022). Brig. Gen. Rudolph Dimas, PRO5 regional director, lauded the efforts of the operating teams to protect the communities. (Photo courtesy of PRO5/PIO) LEGAZPI CITY - The Police Regional Office-Bicol (PRO5) has arrested 261 wanted persons, including eight members of the New People's Army (NPA) during Simultaneous Anti-Criminality Law Enforcement Operations across the region on Tuesday. Maj. Malu Calubaquib, PRO5 spokesperson, said Wednesday the apprehended individuals include 21 city and municipal most wanted persons and 240 other most wanted persons. "Among the arrested individuals were two barangay officials namely Arnel Amag, 45, and a resident of Barangay Matagangtang, Placer, Masbate. He is facing charges of frustrated murder with bail recommended amounting to PHP200,000. Another arrested barangay official was Bonifacio Calinawan Jr, barangay captain of Royroy, Batuan, Masbate, 52, and he was arrested for robbery with violence against or intimidation of persons with PHP100,000 bail and for theft with PHP6,000 bail recommended," Calubaquib said in a statement. Meanwhile, the eight rebel group members were collared during manhunt operations in the provinces of Masbate and Sorsogon. "They were identified as Perla Molines, 65, a resident of Sitio Pandan Barangay McArthur and Ariosto Deinla, 65, a resident of Barangay Guinhadap both of Monreal, Masbate. The two are members of the Militia ng Bayan (MB) under the command of Eleazar Ontog, a.k.a "Randy", team leader, Squad 2, Platoon 2, Larangan 1 (L1), Komite ng Probinsya 4 (KP4). Both also face cases for murder," she said. Another NPA member arrested for attempted murder was Jimmy Jaca, 52, of Barangay Pinamalatican, Mobo, Masbate and a member of L2, KP4 under the command of Raul Tolingin a.k.a. "Ka Dodoy" operating in the second district of Masbate. Belinda Lorilla, 48, and Jason Lorilla, 45, residents of Purok 3, Barangay Madao, Uson, Masbate were also taken by the police for multiple attempted homicide. Belinda is the commanding officer and Jason is a member of KLG3, KP4 Komprob Masbate under the command of Raul Tolingin a.k.a. "Ka Dadi". Adding up to the list of the communist terrorist group members arrested was Noel Flores a.k.a. Jesmar, 31, a resident of Centro, Barangay Igang, Masbate City operating under L1, KP4, under the command of Eddie Rosero. He was collared for the crime of murder. Also nabbed for multiple attempted murder during the manhunt was Chris Rollion, 45, a resident of Barangay Ipil, San Fernando, Masbate, and a member of the Eliseo Cabarles command. In Sorsogon, another NPA member under the Bicol Regional Party Committee (BPRC) named Anthony Suarez Hapin, 28, of Barangay Cadandanan, Bulan town was arrested for frustrated homicide. In the campaign against illegal drugs, two successful operations were launched that resulted in the arrest of two drug peddlers and the seizure of drug items. On the implementation of a search warrant for violation of Republic Act 10591, or the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act, authorities arrested Jacobo Payno Royales Jr., 32, of Ligao City. Confiscated from his custody was one .38-caliber revolver without serial numberand nine ammunition with no pertinent documents. Brig. Gen. Rudolph Dimas, PRO5 director, in a statement, lauded the efforts of the operating teams who steadily perform their duties without reservations. "These notable scores on our anti-criminality operations emanated from the painstaking efforts of our personnel who without any hesitations always offer the best of them. Rest assured that we, as your Kasurog cops shall remain firm and centered on the goals to truly provide the Bicolano a safer and more peaceful community for everyone," Dimas said. (PNA) }