(Jun Ryan Arañas / MANILA BULLETIN FILE PHOTO)
Based on a report from the Crime Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG), a joint operation to serve warrants of arrest and a search warrants against the group of a former barangay chairman in Barangay Limbo in Sultan Kudarat, Datu Pendatun Kato Talusan was carried out around 4:00 am Saturday.
The warrants were for several charges, including double frustrated robbery with homicide, and carnapping.
The police said upon their arrival to serve the warrants, the suspects opened fire at the government authorities, triggering a gun battle that lasted for five hours.
P/Staff Sergeant Elenel Pido of the Fourth Special Action Battalion (4
(MANILA BULLETIN FILE PHOTO)
The fatalities were identified by Police Regional Office 5 (PRO-5) spokesperson Maj. Malu Calubaquib as Jonel Sayno Alcanzo, leader of Alcanzo Gun-for-Hire Group and Joseph Demate Piad, alias “Bukol/Bokel.” Alcanzo is also an alleged member of the New People’s Army (NPA).
Calubaquib said that while police were about to serve two search warrants on Alcanzo, he fired at the policemen prompting them to retaliate.
Alcanzo and Piad were killed during the encounter while another companion identified as Nicolas Cal Placio alias “Olay” was arrested.
“Driven by its solid commitment to maintain peace and order in the region, PRO 5 continued its anti-criminality campaign which resulted in the death of two suspects and the arrest of another during the simultaneous implementation of search warrant for Violation of RA10591 on December 16, 2020 at Purok-3, Brgy. Anamean, Labo Camarines Norte,” Calubaquib said.
(MANILA BULLETIN FILE PHOTO)
Reports reaching the regional police office here identified the victims as Cpl. Earl Hembra and detainee Nestor Lumagpas Jr., who was initially reported to also have been killed in the attack.
Marabut Police Chief Lt. Fernando Calabria Jr. said the victims were heading back to the police station after a court appearance in Basey town when they were waylaid by several gunmen in Logero village at about 12:56 p.m.
Calabria declined to give further details as they were still investigating the incident on site.
Some areas in Basey and Marabut have been identified by the government as a priority for its counter-insurgency campaign due to sightings of some members of the Communist terrorist group.