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Febrruary 25, 2012
2 kilos of dried marijuana leaves seized by CIDG Batangas
Two kilos of dried marijuana leaves with estimated value of P50-thousand were confiscated by operating teams of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) in a buy-bust operation in Batangas province that also resulted to the arrest of four suspects.

CIDG director, Police Director Samuel D Pagdilao Jr. identified the suspects as Rjay De Villa, 29, married, resident of Poblacion, San Luis, Batangas; Valentino Ata, 25, single, Balayan, Batangas; Aaron Tolentino, 21, of Balayan, Batangas; and Phoebe Kirsteen Cuizon, laias Tin-Tin, 23, married, of Abacan Subdivision, Barangay Calicanto, Batangas City.

In his report to Pagdilao, Region 4A CIDG chief, Police Senior Superintendent Bernabe Balba said that CIDG operatives in Batangas led by Police Chief Inspector Jay Agcaoili have arrested the suspects around 9:00 PM last Thursday, February 23, in Lemery, Batangas.

Agcaoili said that De Villa’s group is one of the most notorious drug peddling syndicates in Batangas province. He added that prior to the arrest of the suspects, they have been receiving numerous complaints from the community about the proliferation of marijuana among schools and universities in the province.

After a weeklong surveillance operation, CIDG personnel were able to make good arrangement with one of the suspects for the purchase of P500 worth of marijuana in Ilustre Avenue, Lemery, Batangas.

During the buy bust operation, the suspects sensed the presence of other police operatives, which prompted them to scamper towards the direction of Taal town. CIDG operatives however managed to catch up with the suspects on board their getaway vehicle, a green ISUZU Highlander (DTH-480), at Brgy 7, Zone 4, Poblacion in Taal, Batangas.

Batangas CIDG will charge the suspects for violation of Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.

Agcaoili said that this recent score against the proliferation of illegal drugs is part of the commitment of the CIDG to help government’s anti-illegal drugs operation get rid of the drug menace in the province of Batangas.

Agcaoili vowed that the CIDG will continue to orchestrate vibrant and expeditious anti-drugs operation against the “big fishes” in Batangas.

February 22, 2012
More wanted persons fall to CIDG’s continuous drive vs. MWP
Operatives of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group’s (CIDG) last Monday have arrested three most wanted persons as the group pushed for more aggressive manhunt against fugitives in Bicol region and in Mindanao.

CIDG director, Police Director Samuel D Pagdilao Jr., said that around 7:00 AM last Monday, CIDG operating units with the help of Community Investigative Support (CIS) volunteers in Masbate have arrested Antonio Agarao, 46, of Brgy. Jintotolo, Balud, Masbate.

Bicol Region CIDG chief, Police Senior Superintendent Michel Filart said that Agarao is number 9 in the list of most wanted persons in Masbate province. He was arrested by virtue of a warrant of arrest for murder issued by Masbate Regional Trial Court.

Filart added that around 2:00 PM in Camalig, Albay, CIDG operatives have arrested Victor Morota of Brgy. Taplacon, said town. Morota is number 10 in the list of most wanted persons in Camalig town. He was arrested by virtue of a warrant of arrest for rape issued by Legazpi City Regional Trial Court.

In Davao del Norte, joint CIDG teams from Bohol province and Davao together with CIS volunteers have arrested Ranil Pahit, 36, in his hideout in Purok 4, Brgy. Magsaysay, Carmen, Davao del Norte. Pahit is number 5 in the list of most wanted persons in Dimiao, Bohol. He was arrested by virtue of a warrant of arrest for two counts of sexual abuse issued by Loay, Bohol Regional Trial Court.

Pagdilao said that the recent accounting of wanted persons is the CIDG’s response to the directive of PNP Chief, Police Director General Nicanor A Bartolome, to arrest most wanted persons involved in heinous crimes.

He added that most of the recent success of the CIDG in accounting for most wanted criminals was accomplished with the help of the CIS, the group’s community volunteer organization.

Pagdilao said over the weekend, CIDG teams in the said provinces have arrested Euloboy Domingo, 42, of Palanan, Isabela; Antonio Malquisto, 23, of Brgy. Boracay, Lapaz, Leyte; Regine Montibon, Jr., 21, of Purok Que Alma, Poblacion, South Cotabato; and Pejee Baiting, 25, of Purok Guava, Brgy. Poblacion, Kidapawan City, North Cotabato.

Pagdilao said that Domingo is number 10 in the list of most wanted persons in Isabela province, while Montibon is number 9 in the list of most wanted persons in Norala, South Cotabato. He added that Bainting is number 8 in the list of most wanted person in Kidapawan City.

CIDG arrest 5 suspects selling pirated DVDs, Ramgen-Janelle sex video

Joint operating teams of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group’s (CIDG) Women and Children Protection Division (WCPD) and Detection and Special Operations Division (DSOD) have raided several stalls in a commercial complex in Cainta, Rizal yesterday that resulted into the arrest of five suspects selling pirated DVDs including the alleged Ramgen-Janelle sex video.

In his report to CIDG director, Police Director Samuel D Pagdilao Jr., WCPD chief, Police Superintendent Emma Libunao, identified the five suspects as Zoren Reyes, 35, of Tanang St., Signal Corps Subdivision, Cainta, Rizal; Sonny Abdulrashed, 18, of Fernando dela Paz St. Cainta, Rizal, Salman Usman, 20, of Karangalan St., Buenas Palengke, Cainta, Rizal; Junard Sharief, 27, of Imelda Avenue BB Soliven, Sta. Mesa, Cainta, Rizal and Asnawi Kiram, 19, of Karangalan St., Cainta, Rizal.

Libunao said that around 5:30 PM yesterday, CIDG operatives led by Police Chief Inspector Marlon Santos conducted a buy-bust operation against vendors selling illegally acquired alleged sex videos of the late actor Ramgen Revilla and girlfriend Janelle Manahan in a commercial complex located in the corner of LE GEE Square, Cainta, Rizal.

The raiding teams have confiscated around 75 pieces of pornographic materials, 1,300 pieces of pirated DVDs and CDs and one piece of the alleged Ramgen-Janelle sex scandal video, which was confiscated in the possession of suspect Usman.

All the arrested suspects were charged with violation of RA 9995 or the anti-photo and video voyeurism act and article 201 of the Revised Penal Code.

Libunao said that the CIDG-WCPD’s aggressive campaign to confiscate the alleged sex video of Ramgen Revilla and Janelle Manahan is being carried following the request of the latter through her counsel, Atty. Argee Guevarra, to run after the people who are responsible for the distribution and selling of the said offensive material.

Libunao added that from the time Manahan has asked CIDG to confiscate the alleged sex video being discretely sold in the market by illicit traders of pirated videos, the CIDG-WCPD has accounted for the arrest of eight suspects caught in the act of selling the said sex video.

Last February 1, operatives of the CIDG-WCPD have raided a commercial complex in Commonwealth Avenue, Quezon City that resulted in the arrest of Omar Undaki, 20, Ibrahim Ombo Mulok, 25, and Jamael Moulay Baroba, 25, all residents of Brgy. Culiat, Tandang Sora, Quezon City.

February 21, 2012
4 fugitives fall to CIDG’s nationwide drive vs. most wanted persons
The Criminal Investigation and Detection Group’s (CIDG) aggressive manhunt against wanted persons last week resulted to the arrest of four fugitives in separate operations in Leyte, Cotabato and Quezon Province.

CIDG director, Police Director Samuel D Pagdilao Jr. said over the weekend, CIDG teams in the said provinces have arrested Euloboy Domingo, 42, of Palanan, Isabela; Antonio Malquisto, 23, of Brgy. Boracay, Lapaz, Leyte; Regine Montibon, Jr., 21, of Purok Que Alma, Poblacion, South Cotabato; and Pejee Baiting, 25, of Purok Guava, Brgy. Poblacion, Kidapawan City, North Cotabato.

Pagdilao said that fugitive Domingo was arrested by elements of CIDG in Cagayan Valley Region around 7:00 PM last Saturday, February 18, in Sitio Kusot, Brgy. Lual, Mauban, Quezon by virtue of warrants of arrest issued by Ilagan, Isabela Regional Trial Court for double murder and attempted murder. Region 2 CIDG chief, Police Senior Superintendent Flaviano Baltazar said that Domingo is number 10 in the list of most wanted persons in Isabela province.

Pagdilao also said that around 8:00 AM last Friday, February 17, fugitive Malquisto was arrested by elements of CIDG in Eastern Visayas in his residence by virtue of a warrant of arrest issued by Abuyog, Leyte Regional Trial Court for abduction with rape. Region 8 CIDG chief, Police Superintendent Mafelino A Bazar said that no bailbond was recommended for Malquisto.

In Sitio Bangkal, Brgy. Tinago, Norala, South Cotabato, Joint operatives of Region 12 CIDG and local police have arrested Montibon around 5:00 AM last February 16, by virtue of a warrant of arrest issued by Regional Trial Court in Surallah, South Cotabato for illegal possession of firearms and violation of anti-illegal drug law. Region 12 CIDG chief, Police Senior Superintendent Albert Ignatius Ferro said that Montibon is number 9 in the list of most wanted persons in Norala, South Cotabato.

Also in Purok Guava, Brgy. Poblacion, Kidapawan City, North Cotabato CIDG have arrested Bainting around 4:30 PM last February 15 by virtue of two warrants of arrest issued by local court in Kidapawan City for two counts of serious physical injuries and grave threat. Ferro said that Bainting is number 8 in the list of most wanted person in Kidapawan City.

Pagdilao said that the recent accounting of wanted persons is the CIDG’s response to the directive of PNP Chief, Police Director General Nicanor A Bartolome, for the PNP to arrest most wanted persons involved in heinous crimes and bring them to the bar of justice. He added that the success of the CIDG in accounting for most wanted criminals was accomplished with the help of the Community Investigative Support (CIS), the group’s community volunteer organization.

CIDG, Cagayan PNP file murder charges vs. gunman in Dirain slay

Joint investigators from The Criminal Investigation and Detection Group’s (CIDG) in Aparri and Cagayan police this afternoon filed formal charges of murder against the gunman in the February 7, 2012 killing of Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) official in Sanchez Mira, Cagayan.

CIDG director, Police Director Samuel D Pagdilao Jr. said that the joint investigating team has filed a case of murder against Adorable Caligan, alias Boyet, a resident of Pata West, Claveria, Cagayan, at the Cagayan Provincial Prosecutor’s Office with docket case number NPS-II-INV25M-2B00008.

Caligan based on the testimonies of some of the witnesses was tagged as the gunman who shot Forest Specialist 2 Melania Dirain, 46, the Community Environment and Natural Resources Officer (CENRO) in Sanchez Mira, Cagayan.

The murder case filed by the joint CIDG-Cagayan PNP was based on the complaint filed by Antonette B. Balanay, the sister of the victim.

Cagayan Valley CIDG chief, Flaviano Baltazar, said that around 7:45 PM of February 7, Dirain was shot several times by the suspects inside her office. The incident was witnessed by one of the employees of DENR in the said town and was recorded in the CCTV video.

According to one of the witnesses, Dirain was at her office talking to another DENR official in Cagayan about the accounting of seedling when an unidentified male person, wearing black pants and jacket suddenly barged into the office of the and shot the victim in his presence. The witness added that when he tried to stop the suspect, the gunman scuttled out of the office only to return in a short while to fire more shots at the victim.

The murder case against Caligan was strengthened by the testimonies given by two female employees of Golden Ocean Videoke Bar in Brgy. Callungan, Sanchez Mira town, who positively identified the suspect when the video recorded in the CCTV camera was shown to them.

After viewing the recorded video, the witnesses said that they are fully convinced that it was Caligan who shot Dirain. They said that the suspect is very much familiar to them considering that he is a regular customer in the Golden Ocean Videoke Bar and that there were times that the suspect came to the said club wearing a dark green jacket with hood, the same jacket Caligan was wearing when he shot the victim on the night of February 7.

Baltazar said that based on the accounts of witnesses, it appears that the motive behind the killing is related to the job of the victim. One of the witnesses said that before the victim was shot and killed, Dirain, who was leading the investigation on several cases of alleged illegal logging in the province, hinted to the victim that she has been receiving death threats from unknown individual.

Joint operatives of Cagayan and Aparri CIDG at present are conducting manhunt operation against the suspect.

February 15, 2012
Another ASG member falls to joint CIDG-AFP operatives in Zamboanga City
Joint operating units from the PNP Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) and Intelligence Unit of the Philippine Air Force have arrested a sub-commander of the terrorist Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) last night in Zamboanga City.

In his report to CIDG Director, Police Director Samuel D Pagdilao Jr., Region 9 CIDG chief, Police Senior Superintendent Generoso Bonifacio identified the suspect as Abdulhan Ussih alias Jeron, 28, a resident of Vajada Meramar, Sinunoc, Zamboanga City.

Pagdilao said that Ussih is the third ASG terrorist who fell into the hands of the joint PNP-CIDG-AFP operating units following the arrest of Harun Jaljalis alias Abu Indal in Basilan last January 26 and Sonny Bakim Barahim alias Abu Ismael of Isabela City, Basilan last January 17.

Ussih, also known as the “Black Tungkang”, was arrested by joint elements of 9RCIDG, 3rd Air Division of the Philippine Air Force (PAF), and members of local police inside the Zamboanga Public Market around 6:00 PM yesterday by virtue of an arrest warrant for six counts of kidnapping and serious illegal detention. He was a sub-commander of Abu Sayyaf Group leader Radulan Sahiron alias Putol in Sulu.

Bonifacio said that Ussih served as the liaison of the terrorist group to those who provided them with food supplies. He added that Ussih was involved in the infamous Sipadan, Malaysia kidnapping incident as well as the succeeding series of kidnapping activities of the ASG from 2001 to 2003.

Bonifacio added that Ussih is marked as number 11 in the list of most wanted persons for national level category and has a bounty of P3.3-million for his arrest by virtue of the Joint Order of the Department of National Defense (DND) and the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) number 15-2011.

Bonifacio also said that Ussih is currently engaged in the buy and sell of fish and other marine products in Zamboanga public market. However, Bonifacio added that they are still looking into the report that Ussih and his group is up to another terrorist plot and that he was just using his business to cover the real purpose of his presence in Zamboanga.

Ussih, who was positively identified by one the ASG victims, is now under the custody of the CIDG in Zamboanga City.

The CIDG’s aggressive campaign against most wanted persons is the group’s response to the directive of PNP Chief, Police Director General Nicanor A Bartolome, for the PNP to account for notorious wanted persons and bring them to the bar of justice.

From February 1 to present, the CIDG has accounted for the total arrest of 87 wanted persons, 16 of which were involved in heinous crimes.

Pagdilao credited the speedy arrests of many of the wanted persons by the CIDG to the creation of the Community Investigative Support (CIS), the group’s community volunteer organization that the group has mobilized to help acquire information that will lead to the arrests of fugitives and hardened criminals nationwide.

February 10, 2012
Fugitive rape suspect falls to CIDG after 10 years of hiding
After almost ten years of hiding, a 38-year old fugitive who is wanted for three counts of rape in Pangasinan province was arrested yesterday by elements of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) in Taytay, Palawan yesterday.

In his report to CIDG chief, Police Director Samuel D Pagdilao Jr., Police Senior Superintendent Ferdinand Divina, Region 1 CIDG chief said that joint CIDG operating units from Pangasinan and Palawan province and local police of Taytay town have arrested Lord C Menar, a resident of Sto Nalbot, Poblacion, Taytay, Palawan around 1:00 PM yesterday.

Divina said that Menar is listed as Most Wanted Person regional Level with Php200,000.00 monetary reward based on DILG Memorandum Circular Nr. 2006-146. He was arrested by virtue of a warrant of arrest issued by Judge Jules A. Mejia of RTC, Br 54, Alaminos City, Pangasinan dated February 3, 2002 for three counts of rape with no bailbond Recommended.

Divina added that following the filing of rape charges against Menar 10 years ago, he fled and went into hiding in Palawan until a member of the Community Investigative Support (CIS) came to the CIDG in Pangasinan and reported the suspect’s whereabouts.

Last week, CIDG operatives were sent to Palawan to verify the report, which turned out to be true. After securing the warrant of arrest, joint CIDG operatives aided by local police have arrested yesterday afternoon the suspect.

Arrested wanted person was temporarily placed to the custody of Taytay MPS, Palawan and will be brought to Pangasinan CIDG prior to turn-over to the issuing court.

Pagdilao said that the CIDG’s success in accounting for most wanted persons at the onset of year 2012 manifests the group’s fruitful efforts in forging a strong partnership with the community in the battle against criminality.

He added that most of these wanted persons were apprehended through the help of the CIDG’s force multipliers, the CIS.

CIDG arrests 6 suspect in cooking oil theft in San Pedro, Laguna

Elements of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) Detective and Special Operations Division (DSOD) have busted a group engaged in stealing of cooking oil with the arrest of six suspects in an entrapment operation in San Pedro, Laguna Wednesday night.

In his report to CIDG chief, Police Director Samuel D Pagdilao Jr., DSOD chief Police Senior Superintendent Reczon Tito Acabado said that around 8:00 PM last Wednesday, DSOD operatives have arrested suspects Emmanuel Bayawa, 48, company driver and a resident of Arkong Bato, Valenzuela City; Rey Espinas, 24, factory worker of Abbey Road, Novaliches, Quezon City; Marlou Suico, 24, delivery boy, of Brgy. Bagbaguin, Meycauayan, Bulacan; Dario Canillo, 41, company driver, of Bagong Silang, Calamba City; Marvin Manzanero, 24, factory worker, of San Roque, Sto Tomas, Batangas; and George Larong, 35, driver, of Bagong Silang, Caloocan.

Acabado said that last Wednesday, DSOD operatives together with Allan Salvador, the assistant audit manager of Alaska Milk Corporation, setup an entrapment operation against the drivers and crews of delivery truck of Trans Asia Philippine Manufacturing Corporation who were scheduled to deliver coconut oil to Alaska plant in San Pedro, Laguna.

Salvador told CIDG investigators that they have received reports regarding some irregularities in the delivery of coconut oil by some crew of Trans Asia in connivance with some employees of Alaska plant in Laguna.

During the surveillance operation, operatives have noticed two delivery trucks from Trans Asia Corporation with plate number RJV 901 loaded with 26,220 kilograms of cooking oil and RJG 989 loaded with 32,740 kilos arrived at the Alaska plant around 7:30 AM.

Around 4 o’clock in the afternoon of the same day, one of truck of Trans Asia (RJK 989) came out of the plant while the CIDG operatives cautiously tailed the truck until it reached the Caltex gas station located at the northbound direction of South Luzon Expressway in San Pedro, Laguna. Around 7:30 PM, the second delivery truck followed the first at the said gas station.

Acabado said that in a short while after the second truck arrived, a Mitsubishi Canter arrived at the gas station and positioned at the back of the delivery truck. One of the crews of the truck came out and pulled a hose and connected it to hose of the Canter and transferred the remaining coconut oil.

At this point, DSOD operatives immediately approached the crew of the delivery trucks and the suspected buyer regarding their illegal business. When asked to produce documents such as purchase order delivery receipt of Trans Asia Corporation, suspects Canillo and Larong failed to show any.

DSOD operatives immediately arrested all six suspects and charged them with qualified theft and violation of the anti-fencing law.

Police have seized from the suspects the two delivery trucks, the other one still loaded with 3,997 kilos of cooking oil, and the Mitsubishi Canter.

February 08, 2012
CIDG, PRO4A, PRO4B and AFP arrest 2 ranking CPP-NPA leaders in Laguna
Two ranking female leaders of the New People’s Army (NPA) in Southern Tagalog Region were arrested by joint elements of Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) and Armed Forces units in the town of Bay, Laguna while a branch manager of a motorcycle store in Samar was also arrested for gun running yesterday.

CIDG Region 4A chief, Police Senior Superintendent Bernabe Balba, in his report to CIDG chief, Police Director Samuel D Pagdilao Jr. said that around 3:30 PM yesterday, joint operatives of Laguna CIDG, local police, Regional Intelligence Unit from Region 4A and 4B, and the 1st Infantry Battalion, 202nd Brigade of the Philippine Army have arrested Annabelle Bueno, alias Evelyn Legaspi and Ka Girlie, and Pastora Latagan alias Fara and Lara, in Brgy. Maitim, Bay, Laguna by virtue of a warrant of arrest for multiple attempted murder, multiple frustrated murder issued by a court in Infanta, Quezon with a recommended bailbond of P120thousand for Bueno and P200 thousand for Latagan. Bueno is also wanted for a multiple murder case in Calapan City, Oriental Mindoro with no recommended bail.

Both ranking NPA leaders were positively identified by their former comrades who returned to the fold of the law.

Balba said that Bueno is the head of the Regional Organizational Department of the Southern Tagalog Regional Party Committee (STRPC) of the NPA, the arm wing of the Communist Party of the Philippines-National Democratic Front (CPP-NDF). Latagan on the other hand is the head of the Finance Executive Committee Sub Regional Military Area-Guerilla Unit 1 (SRMA-Gu1).

Balba said that Bueno had been the subject of surveillance by intelligence teams from the Regional Police Office 4A and the AFP.

Balba added that Bueno, also known as Ka Norie, Ka Winnie, Ka Maksie, Ka Salie, Ka Josie, Ka Nancie and Rosita Malabanan, was under the command of Eduardo Serrano alias Rogelio Villanueva and Makling who figured in the ambush of members of 68th Infantry Battalion last August 2003 at Brgy. Sabang Pinamalayan, Oriental Mindoro that resulted in the death and wounding of several soldiers. She was also one of the NPA members who ambushed a group of policemen led by Police Inspector Destura at Brgy. Alcate, Victoria, Oriental Mindoro last 2002.

Latagan was the S4 or logistics officer of the NPA under the command of Kumander Bart operating in the areas of Rizal, Laguna and North Quezon. Ka Fara was one of those who conducted tactical offensive operation in one of the camp of 16th Infantry Battalion at Magsaysay, Kalaw located between Rizal and Quezon province on January 2009 where several soldiers were wounded and where they carted an armalite rifle and a radio.

During the arrest of the two ranking lady communist rebels, CIDG operatives have also confiscated from her several subversive documents, 14 sticks of explosives, 4 blasting caps, and assorted medicines.

In Borongan City, Eastern Samar, CIDG operatives have arrested in an entrapment operation suspect Dave Jun Belingay, 29, a native of Brgy. Tinago, Bayanan City, Negros Oriental and the branch manager of Rusi Motor in Brgy. Songco, Borongan City.

Confiscated from Belingay were two caliber .45 pistol that he sold to a police poseur buyer. He was charged with violation of anti-illegal firearms law.

Pagdilao said that the most recent arrest of a high ranking member of the NPA in Southern Tagalog and the entrapment of a gun runner in Eastern Samar remain a part of the effort of the CIDG to get off the hands of criminals instrument of crime such as firearms.

Pagdilao said that the aggressive drive against loose firearms is in line with the shifting of thrust program of the CIDG for 2012, which focus on running after loose firearms used by criminal elements.

The CIDG last week fired-up its nationwide drive against loose firearms with the confiscation of more guns and arrest of suspects in the provinces of Cagayan, Abra, Pangasinan and Negros Oriental have accounted for the arrest of three illegal gun owners and the confiscation of eight firearms and assorted rounds of ammunition.

Last Saturday, February 4, CIDG operatives in Cagayan Province have arrested Leonel Pulido Mendoza, 43, a farmer from Brgy. Bicud, Lallo, Cagayan by virtue of a search warrant for illegal possession of firearms. Operatives have confiscated from Mendoza one Daewoo 9mm, one glock 40, a rifle type caliber 22 and several rounds of ammunition.

In Laganilang, Abra last Tuesday, CIDG operatives have seized from the residence of Ariel Dulay Sinogo a baby armalite, a lugger machine pistol and several rounds of ammunition. Sinogo however was not in his house when the CIDG operative served the warrant.

Also last Tuesday in Brgy. Baracbac, Mangaterem, Pangasinan, CIDG operatives have arrested Andres Batara, 57, for illegal possession of firearms. Seized from Batara were one M16 rifle and magazines loaded with rounds of ammunition.

In Brgy. Malabugas, Bayawan City, Negros Oriental last Monday, CIDG operatives have also arrested Pazzito Libron, 38, a gun-for-hire suspect and a member of Bobong Tunasan Robbery Holdup Group. Seized from Libron one M16 colt, a 9mm pistol, a rifle grenade, assorted gun parts and rounds of ammunition.

Pagdilao last week directed all CIDG operating units to conduct a forceful, intensive and unrelenting campaign to confiscate more loose firearms as violent crimes are noted to be on the rise.

Ranking NPA leader in Laguna, gun runner in Samar fall to CIDG

A ranking leader of the New People’s Army (NPA) in Southern Tagalog Region was arrested by elements of Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) in the town of Bay, Laguna while a branch manager of a motorcycle store in Samar was also arrested for gun running yesterday.

CIDG chief, Police Director Samuel D Pagdilao Jr. said that around 3:30 PM yesterday, joint operatives of Laguna CIDG and local police have arrested Annabelle Bueno, alias Ka Girlie, Fara and Lara, in Brgy. Maitim, Bay, Laguna by virtue of a warrant of arrest for multiple attempted murder, multiple frustrated murder issued by a court in Infanta, Quezon and multiple murder case issued by a court in Calapan City, Oriental Mindoro.

Pagdilao said that Bueno is the head of the Regional Organizational Department of the Southern Tagalog Regional Party Committee (STRPC) of the NPA, the arm wing of the Communist Party of the Philippines-National Democratic Front (CPP-NDF). Bueno is also the head of the Finance Executive Committee Sub Regional Military Area-Guerilla Unit 1 (SRMA-Gu1).

During the arrest of Bueno, CIDG operatives have also confiscated from her several subversive documents, 14 sticks of explosives, 4 blasting caps, and assorted medicines.

In Borongan City, Eastern Samar, CIDG operatives have arrested in an entrapment operation suspect Dave Jun Belingay, 29, a native of Brgy. Tinago, Bayanan City, Negros Oriental and the branch manager of Rusi Motor in Brgy. Songco, Borongan City.

Confiscated from Belingay were two caliber .45 pistol that he sold to a police poseur buyer. He was charged with violation of anti-illegal firearms law.

Pagdilao said that the most recent arrest of a high ranking member of the NPA in Southern Tagalog and the entrapment of a gun runner in Eastern Samar remain a part of the effort of the CIDG to get off the hands of criminals instrument of crime such as firearms.

Pagdilao said that the aggressive drive against loose firearms is in line with the shifting of thrust program of the CIDG for 2012, which focus on running after loose firearms that are usually being used as a tool to intimidate voters and influence the result of the elections as the country gears up for the upcoming midterm election next year.

The CIDG last week fired-up its nationwide drive against loose firearms with the confiscation of more guns and arrest of suspects in the provinces of Cagayan, Abra, Pangasinan and Negros Oriental have accounted for the arrest of three illegal gun owners and the confiscation of eight firearms and assorted rounds of ammunition.

Last Saturday, February 4, CIDG operatives in Cagayan Province have arrested Leonel Pulido Mendoza, 43, a farmer from Brgy. Bicud, Lallo, Cagayan by virtue of a search warrant for illegal possession of firearms. Operatives have confiscated from Mendoza one Daewoo 9mm, one glock 40, a rifle type caliber 22 and several rounds of ammunition.

In Laganilang, Abra last Tuesday, CIDG operatives have seized from the residence of Ariel Dulay Sinogo a baby armalite, a lugger machine pistol and several rounds of ammunition. Sinogo however was not in his house when the CIDG operative served the warrant.

Also last Tuesday in Brgy. Baracbac, Mangaterem, Pangasinan, CIDG operatives have arrested Andres Batara, 57, for illegal possession of firearms. Seized from Batara were one M16 rifle and magazines loaded with rounds of ammunition.

In Brgy. Malabugas, Bayawan City, Negros Oriental last Monday, CIDG operatives have also arrested Pazzito Libron, 38, a gun-for-hire suspect and a member of Bobong Tunasan Robbery Holdup Group. Seized from Libron one M16 colt, a 9mm pistol, a rifle grenade, assorted gun parts and rounds of ammunition.

Pagdilao last week directed all CIDG operating units to conduct a forceful, intensive and unrelenting campaign to confiscate more loose firearms especially in areas with history of election related violent incidents in anticipation of possible rise of poll related violence relative to next year's midterm elections.

February 06, 2012
CIDG charged 7 Cotabato City officials, policeman in Vice Mayor Sema's ambush
The Special Investigation Task Group “SEMA” through the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) has filed frustrated murder and attempted murder raps against seven Cotabato City officials and a police officer in relation of the January 10, 2012 ambush of Vice Mayor Datu Muslimim G. Sema.

In a report to CIDG chief, Police Director Samuel D. Pagdilao Jr., CIDG Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) chief, Police Superintendent Leo E Quevedo said that this afternoon, the CIDG and the Special Investigation Task Group “SEMA” have filed cases of frustrated murder and three counts of attempted murder at the Department of Justice against Cotabato City Mayor Japal Guani Jr., Atty. Cynthia G Sayadi, her husband Omar Sayadi, City Councilors Graham G. Dumama and Abdilla Lim, Barangay Chairman Amil Sula and Police Inspector Noel L Gutierrez, formerly the deputy station commander of Cotabato City who led a team of first responders after the attempt to assassinate Vice Mayor Sema.

Pagdilao said that based on witnesses accounts, CIDG investigators have found out that the assassination attempt to Vice Mayor Sema had been long schemed and that the suspects have conspired to kill Sema.

Quevedo said that based on their investigation, politics was the motive behind the attempt to kill Sema. Sema was a three-term mayor of Cotabato City before he won the vice-mayoralty race last 2010 elections.

Quevedo said that Sema is planning to run again for mayor of Cotabato City come 2013 elections and that the suspects have conspired to assassinate Sema to stop him from coming back as city mayor.

Aside from the local government officials who were charged in relation to the conspiracy to assassinate Sema, PInsp. Gutierrez was included in the filing of cases for deliberately withholding vital evidence to the case.

Quevedo said that police first responders attested that Gutierrez ordered them to search the wounded gunman Zermin M. Abdullah for any deadly weapon. One of them recovered a cellular phone which the policeman gave to Gutierrez. The said police official thereafter tried to influence them by instructed them to deny the recovery of the said cellular phone if anybody would ask about it.

Quevedo said that despite the positive assertion of three policemen about the recovery of the cellular phone of the suspects, Gutierrez denied the recovery of the said cellular phone and failed to turn-over the said evidence to the investigating team.

Investigation disclosed that around 10:15 in the morning of January 10, two suspects on board a motorcycle and armed with a baby armalite waylaid Sema and his companions, Jomar D Ebrahim, his driver, Ramon S Lubaton Jr., his personal aide, and Army Corporal Faigcar Sasapan, his security escort, while on board a Black Mitsubishi Montero along Gonzalo Javier St., Rosary Heights 7, Cotabato City.

Sema, who sustained gunshot wounds at the back of his head and at his right jaw, was rushed to Notre Dame hospital but was later transferred to Davao Doctors Hospital upon the request of his wife, Congresswoman Sandra Sema.

During the ambush, Sasapan fired back at the suspects, hitting Abdullah at the back. The suspect was brought by the responding policemen to the Cotabato Regional Medical Center (CRMC) but he died after three hours.

Quevedo said that according to witnesses’ accounts, Mayor Guiani and the other suspects were seen together in a firing range owned by City Administrator Sayadi. Omar brought a blue bag containing a baby armalite with a silencer on its barrel and fired it.

Several minutes after, Sula arrived at the firing range with gunman Abdullah. At the cottage within the premises of the firing range, Omar took the blue bag that contained the baby armalite and placed it on top of the table in front of Mayor Guiani. The latter took the bag and hand it to Sula.

Quevedo said that the same blue bag that contained a baby armlite was recovered from Abdullah when Sema’s bodyguard retaliated after the suspect fired at the vehicle where the vice mayor and his companions were on board.

February 06, 2012
CIDG revs drive vs. loose firearms, seizes more guns
The Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) fired-up its nationwide drive against loose firearms with the confiscation of more guns and arrest of suspects in separate operations last week.

CIDG chief, Police Director Samuel D Pagdilao Jr. said that CIDG operatives from provinces of Cagayan, Abra, Pangasinan and Negros Oriental have accounted for the arrest of three illegal gun owners and the confiscation of eight firearms and assorted rounds of ammunition.

Pagdilao said that last Saturday, February 4, CIDG operatives in Cagayan Province have arrested Leonel Pulido Mendoza, 43, a farmer from Brgy. Bicud, Lallo, Cagayan by virtue of a search warrant for illegal possession of firearms. Operatives have confiscated from Mendoza one Daewoo 9mm, one glock 40, a rifle type caliber 22 and several rounds of ammunition.

In Laganilang, Abra last Tuesday, CIDG operatives have seized from the residence of Ariel Dulay Sinogo a baby armalite, a lugger machine pistol and several rounds of ammunition. Sinogo however was not in his house when the CIDG operative served the warrant.

Also last Tuesday in Brgy. Baracbac, Mangaterem, Pangasinan, CIDG operatives have arrested Andres Batara, 57, for illegal possession of firearms. Seized from Batara were one M16 rifle and magazines loaded with rounds of ammunition.

In Brgy. Malabugas, Bayawan City, Negros Oriental last Monday, CIDG operatives have also arrested Pazzito Libron, 38, a gun-for-hire suspect and a member of Bobong Tunasan Robbery Holdup Group. Seized from Libron one M16 colt, a 9mm pistol, a rifle grenade, assorted gun parts and rounds of ammunition.

In Palawan, CIDG operatives joined by Community Investigative Support (CIS) members and other police and military forces raided several houses in Mangsee Island, Balbac, Palawan and confiscated two baby armalite rifles, an AR 15 9mm rifle, a caliber .45 pistol, and several rounds of ammunition for the said illegal firearms.

CIDG Region 4-B chief, Police Superintendent Benjamin Acorda Jr. said that around 7:00 o’clock in the morning of January 30, police authorities together with CIDG's CIS members of southern Palawan conducted search at the houses of Barangay Captain Pistoh Akin Hamja, Hadji Madteya Hamha, Hadji Mandosong Hamja, and Hadji Atsari Akin Hamja for violation of PD 1866 or illegal possession of firearms.

Acorda told Pagdilao that barangay captain Hamja was procuring long and short unlicensed firearms for his private armed group mostly composed of trusted adherents in Mangsee. Report also disclosed that the suspect was engaged in the proliferation of shabu (tiangge style), smuggling of cigarette from Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia, and human trafficking.

Pagdilao said that the aggressive drive against loose firearms is in line with the shifting of thrust program of the CIDG for 2012, which focus on running after loose firearms that are usually being used as a tool to intimidate voters and influence the result of the elections.

Pagdilao last week directed all CIDG operating units to conduct a forceful, intensive and unrelenting campaign to confiscate more loose firearms especially in areas with history of election related violent incidents in anticipation of possible rise of poll related violence relative to next year's midterm elections.

Pagdilao also ordered the Intelligence Division of the CIDG to review and revalidate the list of PAGs especially in areas that have histories of violence related to election. As of November 30, 2011, there are 86 PAGs in the CIDG’s watch list, with 1,781 members all over the country.

Pagdilao, in line with the CIDG’s thrust to conduct more operations relative to Oplan “Paglalansag-Omega”, also ordered the deactivation of the Special Task Group "Maverick" and the beefing up of SRU to put more muscle in the nationwide offensive against loose firearms.

Pagdilao directed the CIDG especially the SRU to carry-out preemptive actions against highly armed criminal groups, or identified armed bands known to have engaged in terrorism, electoral fraud, and other poll irregularities.

With the CIS now playing active role in the CIDG’s campaign against PAGs and loose firearms, Pagdilao expressed optimism that the group can sustain its aggressive hunt against PAGs which will largely contribute to the success of a peaceful and orderly election next year.

February 02, 2012
CIDG busts large scale recruitment, visa fraud syndicate in Manila
The Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) has busted a syndicate engaged in large scale illegal recruitment and visa fraud in a raid in Manila that also resulted in the arrest of 20 suspects and the confiscation of several computers, assorted passports and other implements for falsification.

CIDG chief, Police Director Samuel D Pagdilao Jr. said that around 5:00 PM yesterday, elements of the CIDG’s Anti-Transnational and Cyber Crime Division (ATCCD) carried-out an entrapment operation at the office of United Star Alliance Consultancy and Immigration Service (USA-CIS) located at room 803, 8th floor, Pearl of the Orient Building, # 1240 Roxas Boulevard, Ermita, Manila.

Pagdilao identified the arrested suspects as Anna Liza Samson, the general manager of USA-CIS, Reynaldo Villanueva, Cris Llewellyn Gacayan, Aldrin P. Guevarra Jr., Ronaldo B Geronimo, Leilanie G Rafael, Rose Ann Bautista, Florinda M Jana, Maria Cristina G Cruz, Maria Cristina L. Reyes, Melanie Domingo, Reina Angeline R. Geronimo, Rosalinda S Kalinga, Niccalyn R Robles, Maria Elena DC Gaddi, Juddie M Osorio, Nannete F Benedicto and Manuel Inocencio.

CIDG operatives have also confiscated 22 units of computers, assorted documents used by the group for their illegal recruitment activities, and assorted passport of applicants for visa processing.

ATCCD chief, Police Senior Superintendent Gilbert Sosa said that the operation against USA-CIS stemmed from the request for appropriate police action by the United States Embassy in Manila through the Overseas Criminal Investigation Office. Embassy officials said that the manila-based immigration consultancy office has been providing US visa applicants with fake documents such as bank books, bank certifications, deeds of sale of real properties, tax documents and business registration certificates.

Investigation disclosed that USA-CIS is also recruiting Filipino visa applicants for caregiving jobs in unknown care homes in the United States. The syndicate charged their clients around P50 thousand to P100 thousand as initial payment for the orientation, coaching and forged documents and additional P85 thousand to P100 thousand for success fee once their clients get the visas.

It was also learned that USA-CIS has been engaging in visa fraud and illegal recruitment since 2006 using several company names. Under its present name, Embassy officials have recorded more than 190 visa applicants who have been duped by the said syndicate.

In response to the request of the US Embassy, ATCCD operatives secured two search warrants against the USA-CIS and thereafter on February 1, Wednesday, implemented an entrapment operation against one of the suspect, Manuel Inocencio, 47, the company’s accounting staff.

With the cooperation of Catherine Yarra and three other complainants, Yarra handed to Inocencio the marked money at the USA-CIS office in Pearl of the Orient Building. Sosa said that Inocencio enticed the victims to work as caregiver in the US with a promised salary ranging from $1,200 to $3,000 a month.

Following the arrest of Inocencio during the entrapment operation, ATCCD operatives served the warrants and searched the offices of USA-CIS at the 8th and 26th floor of the said building where they arrested the other members of the group and confiscated the implements for the production of fraudulent documents.

The CIDG will charge the suspects with non-bailable cases for large scale and syndicated illegal recruitment, large scale and syndicated estafa and numerous counts of fraud.

Pagdilao said that the most recent neutralization of an illegal recruitment and visa fraud syndicate should serve as a stern warning to Filipinos who seek jobs and travel in the US to be more circumspect in choosing immigration consultancy firms so as not to fall prey to unscrupulous groups who took advantage of their urge to find promising jobs abroad.

Pagdilao added that aspirant migrant workers should also think of the consequences that will befall them once they are caught carrying fraudulent and counterfeit documents abroad.

CIDG, IACAT hot on a trail of a Laguna-based human trafficker

The Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) and the Justice Department’s Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking (IACAT) is hot on a trail of a certain “Nikki” who runs a Laguna-based escort service ring following an anti-human trafficking operations in Biñan last night that resulted to the rescue of 13 sex workers including two minors.

CIDG chief, Police Director Samuel D Pagdilao Jr. said that around 11:30 PM yesterday, elements of the CIDG’s Women and Children Protection Division (WCPD) led by Police Superintendent Emma Libunao and the IACAT launched an entrapment operation at Frezco Resort located at Almamanso St., San Antonio, Biñan, Laguna.

Pagdilao also said that the CIDG has arrested three suspects, including the 27-year old sister of Nikki who accompanied the 13 victims to poseur customers. Nikki however was not present when the other suspects were arrested.

Libunao said that last night anti-human trafficking operation stemmed from a complaint the CIDG received last January 26 that a certain Nikki of Sta Rosa, Laguna is operating an escort service ring wherein some of the victims being peddled for sexual services are minors for a fee ranging from P1,500 to P2,500. The complaint averred that Nikki is a well known pimp in escort service trade in Laguna and that some of her clients are prominent people in Sta. Rosa and nearby municipalities.

Acting on the said complaint, the CIDG last January 29 initiated a surveillance operation and “test-buy” to confirm the veracity of the complaint. Libunao said that after a deal was settled by the CIDG operatives via a telephone call, Nikki personally delivered two young girls at Happy King Hotel in Biñan to poseur customers.

Following the operation that confirmed illicit activities of Nikki’s escort ring, the CIDG last night organized an entrapment and rescue operations that resulted into the arrest of the three suspects.

During the investigation, two of the minors—aged 15 and 16—told authorities that Nikki also induced them to take contraceptive pills to make their bodies look more matured.

They also told the CIDG that before the entrapment occurred, Nikki called-up another escort service ring operator in Laguna to “source-out” additional sex workers in order to fill-up the 15 girls that the poseur buyers have requested. The other escort ring operator was among those arrested during the entrapment.

The CIDG has filed a case for violation of the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act of 2003 and Republic Act 9231, an Act Against Worst Form of Child Labor, against the arrested suspects.

February 01, 2012
CIDG files murder charges vs. gunman in GenSan media killing
The Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) this morning formally filed murder raps against the primary suspect in the January 5, 2012 killing of a mediaman in General Santos City, said CIDG chief, Police Director Samuel D Pagdilao Jr.

Pagdilao said the CIDG investigators handling the murder of Cris Guarin, the publisher of Tatak Bigtime News, a local newspaper based in General Santos City, accompanied by Lyn, the widow of the victim, filed charges of murder against Marvin Palabrica around 10:30 AM today at the City’s Prosecutors Office and was subscribed by Rebecca G. Dardo-Seredrica, city prosecutor II.

Region 12 CIDG chief, Police Senior Superintendent Albert Ignatius Ferro said that Palabrica is now the subject of manhunt operation of the CIDG relative to the killing of Guarin.

Ferro said that Palabrica was positively identified by two witnesses as the one who shot the victim around 10.30 in the evening on January 5. Said filing was done after 28 days of investigation by the Special Investigation Task Group (SITG Guarin) in relation to the creation of Task Force “Usig” related cases and the first “Usig” case resolve in Gensan.

Ferro added that Lyn was with husband Cris and daughter Alea on board their Kia Pride sedan when a motorcycle ridden by two men suddenly pulled up alongside the car and the rider in the rear fired shots. The victim sustained a total of seven fatal gunshot wounds that caused his death.

Ferro said that at present, the CIDG is still digging deeper into the real motive of the incident.

243 wanted persons fall to CIDG last January 2012

A total of 243 wanted persons, 56 of which are facing criminal charges for heinous crimes, were arrested in separate operations last month as the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) further intensify its nationwide drive against most wanted persons in line with Oplan “Pagtugis”.

CIDG chief, Police Director Samuel D Pagdilao Jr. said that among those arrested in the first month of 2012 were two members of terrorist Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG), Sonny Bakim Barahim alias Abu Ismael of Isabela City and Harun Jaljalis alias Abu Indal, of Brgy. Mahayhay, Maluso, Basilan. Jaljalis is carrying a P350 thousand reward for his arrest.

Pagdilao said that in line with the marching order of PNP Chief, Police Director General Nicanor A Bartolome to arrest more wanted persons, the CIDG for the said period in review has accounted for the arrest of 22 most wanted persons in municipal and city level and 163 other wanted persons.

Among the high profile wanted persons that the CIDG has arrested last January were Ceferino Atienza, alias Dimas, the leader of the Dimas Gun For Hire Group wanted for the murder of a councilman in Sto Tomas, Batangas in 2009; Rodel Ledesma, the leader of a kidnapping for ransom group responsible for the abduction of a businessman in Imus, Cavite; Joseph Enriquez, listed as number 10 most wanted in Teresita, Batangas for child abuse; Ernel Merillo, listed as number 3 most wanted in San Francisco, Quezon for rape; Erick Dino of Maragondon, Cavite who is wanted for three counts of murder and frustrated murder; Christopher Javier, Servando Nones and Guillermo Nones, all of Tanauan City, Batangas for carnapping and attempted murder; and Joseph Baral of Nasugbu, Batangas who is wanted for murder.

The CIDG has also arrested during last month’s aggressive campaign against most wanted persons a Korean national, Song Byung Hoon, 43, who is wanted for estafa. Hoon was arrested last January 20 in Sitio Nagpayong, Brgy. Pinagbuhatan, Pasig City by members of Rizal Provincial CIDG team.

Pagdilao said that the CIDG’s success in accounting for most wanted persons at the onset of year 2012 manifests the group’s fruitful efforts in forging a strong partnership with the community in the battle against criminality. He added that most of these wanted persons were apprehended through the help of the CIDG’s force multipliers, the Community Investigative Support (CIS).

January 31, 2012
CIDG sets sights on loose firearms, beefed-up Special Reaction Unit
The Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) is steering the focus of its anti-criminality drive for the year 2012 in running after loose firearms in anticipation of possible rise of poll related violence relative to next year's 2013 midterm elections.

CIDG chief, Police Director Samuel D Pagdilao Jr. directed all CIDG operating units to confiscate more loose firearms that that are usually being used as a tool to intimidate voters and influence the result of the elections. He likewise directed the mobilization of the CIDG’s force multipliers, the Community Investigative Support (CIS), to help confiscate more loose firearms.

In Palawan yesterday morning, CIDG operatives joined by CIS members and other police and military forces raided several houses in Mangsee Island, Balbac, Palawan and confiscated two baby armalite rifles, an AR 15 9mm rifle, a caliber .45 pistol, and several rounds of ammunition for the said illegal firearms.

CIDG Region 4-B chief, Police Superintendent Benjamin Acorda Jr. said that around 7:00 o’clock in the morning of January 30, police authorities together with CIDG's CIS members of southern Palawan conducted search at the houses of Barangay Captain Pistoh Akin Hamja, Hadji Madteya Hamha, Hadji Mandosong Hamja, and Hadji Atsari Akin Hamja for violation of PD 1866 or illegal possession of firearms.

Acorda told Pagdilao that barangay captain Hamja was procuring long and short unlicensed firearms for his private armed group mostly composed of trusted adherents in Mangsee. Report also disclosed that the suspect was engaged in the proliferation of shabu (tiangge style), smuggling of cigarette from Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia, and human trafficking.

In the light of the upcoming 2013 elections, Pagdilao ordered the strengthening of the CIDG’s Special Reaction Unit (SRU), which will be the CIDG’s main task force to conduct a forceful, intensive and unrelenting campaign to confiscate more loose firearms especially in areas with history of election related violent incidents.

Pagdilao, in line with the CIDG’s thrust to conduct more operations relative to Oplan “Paglalansag-Omega”, also ordered the deactivation of the Special Task Group "Maverick" and the beefing up of SRU to put more muscle in the nationwide offensive against loose firearms.

Pagdilao said that the SRU was created in April 2003 for the CIDG to have a specialized unit dedicated to respond to high-risk situations and terrorist related incidents.

Pagdilao directed the CIDG especially the SRU to carry-out preemptive actions against highly armed criminal groups, or identified armed bands known to have engaged in terrorism, electoral fraud, and other poll irregularities.

Pagdilao directed all regional and provincial CIDG units to automatically conduct parallel investigation on killings which involved local government and community leaders in relation to the involvement of PAGs members in the incident.

Pagdilao also ordered the Intelligence Division of the CIDG to review and revalidate the list of PAGs especially in areas that have histories of violence related to election period. As of November 30, 2011, there are 86 PAGs in the CIDG’s watch list, with 1,781 members all over the country.

With the CIS now playing active role in the CIDG’s campaign against PAGs and loose firearms, Pagdilao expressed optimism that the group can sustain its aggressive hunt against PAGs which will largely contribute to the success of a peaceful and orderly election next year.

January 30, 2012
CIDG seizes P6.9 million dried marijuana in Pampanga buy bust operation
Operating elements of Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) in Pampanga have seized some 164 pieces of dried marijuana bricks worth P6.9 million from three members of Cordillera-based marijuana trafficking syndicate in a buy bust operation in Barangay Dau, Mabalacat, Pampanga yesterday.

CIDG chief, Police Director Samuel D Pagdilao Jr. identified the three suspects as Catherine Lamog, 44, of Bontoc, Mt. Province; Julie Baggas, 37, of Mainit, Bontoc; and Yolanda Adaol, 42, of Loccong, Tinglayan, Kalinga, all members of the Kamot Group who were responsible in the transportation and distribution of marijuana from illegal plantations in Mountain Province.

Pagdilao said that the buy bust operations against the three suspects on Sunday, January 29, also yielded 15 pieces of hashish brown flakes amounting to P362,500.

Pagdilao said that suspect Lamog has previous cases for trafficking of marijuana and that her group is one of the groups responsible in the distribution of marijuana bricks in Central Luzon, Metro Manila and in Southern Tagalog.

Pagdilao said that the arrest of the members of Kamot Group was part of the OPLAN “Big Bertha”, the CIDG’s intensified campaign against suspected drug manufacturers and suppliers, pushers and traffickers or operators of drug dens, to further reduce the supply of illegal drugs.

Pagdilao added that with the arrest of the three suspects and the confiscation of large amount of marijuana bricks, it is expected that there will be a huge reduction of supply of these illegal drugs particularly in their market in Angeles City, in Metro Manila and Cavite City.

Pagdilao said that around 12:30PM on Sunday, Pampanga CIDG chief, Police Chief Inspector Julius Caesar V Mana received information from the CIDG’s Regional Office in Cordillera that suspect Lamog, the leader of KAMOT Group engaged in large scale marijuana and hashish trafficking, is transporting large amount of dried bricks of marijuana for distribution.

Acting on the said information, Chief Insp. Mana and in coordination with operatives of Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) in Central Luzon conducted a buy bust operation that resulted in the arrest of the three suspects and the confiscation of marijuana and hashish flakes.

All suspects were immediately charged with violation of Section 11 and Section 26 in relation to Section 5 of Republic Act 9165 or the Anti-Illegal Drugs Law.

January 27, 2012
CIDG seizes fake LPG regulators in Pasay City
Elements of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) have arrested a businessman in a raid in Pasay City that resulted to the confiscation of fake regulator valves for Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG).

CIDG chief, Police Director Samuel D Pagdilao Jr. identified the arrested suspect as Carlo C. Polican, of Great City Enterprise, located at Libertad, Pasay City.

Pagdilao said that operatives of the CIDG’s Anti-Fraud and Commercial Crimes Division (AFCCD) led by Police Senior Superintendent Noli Romana raided the Great City Enterprise around 12:45 PM yesterday by virtue of search warrant issued by Judge Antonio Eugenio Jr of the Manila Regional Trial Court for violation of Section 168 in relation to the Intellectual Property Rights Law.

The AFCCD operatives have confiscated a total of 402 pieces of counterfeit Wintide Safety Regulator Valves with an estimated value of P241 thousand.

Pagdilao said that the raid at the Great City Enterprise stemmed from the complaint filed by the S.A. Goldon Philippines, the patent holder of Wintide Safety Regulator Valves that the said establishment is engaged in the selling and distribution of fake Wintide products.

January 26, 2012
Another ASG member falls to CIDG operatives in Basilan
Operatives of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) have arrested another member of the terrorist Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) this morning in Basilan province.

CIDG chief, Police Director Samuel D Pagdilao Jr. identified the suspect as Harun Jaljalis alias Abu Indal, 47, of Brgy. Mahayhay, Maluso, Basilan. Jaljalis is carrying a P350 thousand reward for his arrest.

Pagdilao said that Jaljalis was also classified as a hardcore member of the terrorist ASG who figured in the series of kidnapping in Basilan during the height of atrocities of the said group in Lamitan City and Tumahubong Municipality, in Basilan Province in 2001.

Jaljalis, who has several standing warrants of arrest for kidnapping and serious illegal detention, is one of the trusted followers of Abu Sayyaf Commander Isnilon Hapilon.

Following the demise of notorious ASG leaders like Khadaffy Janjalani, Suhud Tanadjalin and Abu Sabaya, Jaljalis worked as a farmer in a rubber plantation in Masulo town up to the time of his arrest this morning.

Investigation disclosed that around 1:00 AM today, joint operatives from Region 9 police and the 3rd division of the Philippine Air Force have arrested the suspect.

Pagdilao said that Jaljalis fell to the authorities a week after the CIDG in Region 9 have arrested Sonny Bakim Barahim alias Abu Ismael of Isabela City, Basilan last January 17, Tuesday.

Pagdilao credited the speedy arrests of hardcore ASG members to the creation of the Community Investigative Support (CIS), the CIDG’s community volunteer group that it organized to help in acquiring information that will lead to the arrests of fugitives and hardened criminals.

Pagdilao expressed optimism that in the months to come, the CIDG, with the help of the CIS, can account for more arrests of wanted persons involved in heinous crimes.

Pagdilao expresses concern over CA’s junking of anti-online gambling case; calls anew for speedy passing tougher cybercrime law

Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) chief, Police Director Samuel D Pagdilao Jr. expressed concern over the recent ruling of the Court of Appeals that junked the illegal gambling charges filed against online gambling operators, saying that the decision will knock-down all CIDG’s efforts to curb the proliferation of online-gambling operations.

Pagdilao said that the decision made by the Sixth Division of the CA that dismissed the case for violation of the anti-illegal gambling law against the operators of virtual casino inside the Clark Special Economic Zone has a far reaching negative effect on the overall effort of the CIDG and other law enforcement units against online gambling operations especially those that are run by foreign mafias.

In the said decision, the CA has noted that there is nothing in Section 1 of Presidential Decree 1602 or the anti-illegal gambling law which would indicate that internet gambling or online casino is among those illegal acts penalized by the said law.

Pagdilao expressed apprehension that the cases of illegal gambling that the CIDG has filed in court, like the one they have filed for the September 12, 2011 arrest of 6 Korean nationals and 14 Filipino employees in a raid at an illegal online gambling den in a condominium in Pasig City, will suffer the same result given the recent CA ruling. This operation against online gambling run by Korean mafia was followed by another raid in Emerald Mansion in Ortigas Center last December 15, 2011 that resulted in the arrest of 2 Korean nationals.

Pagdilao said that the recent junking of anti-illegal gambling raps against operators of online gambling will likely embolden transnational gambling operators to continuously establish their base of illegal operations in the country.

“This situation has made the country attractive to transnational organized cybercrime syndicates and this is likely to go on unless the inadequacies in the legal framework are addressed accordingly,” said Pagdilao.

Pagdilao added that the recent junking of case against online gambling operators should serve as another wakeup call for lawmakers to speed-up the passing of Senate Bill 2796 or the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012.

In response to the urgency to drumbeat the speedy passing of Cybercrime Prevention Bill, Pagdilao said that the CIDG will mobilize its volunteer force multipliers, the Community Investigative Support (CIS), to help in the information campaign in schools and campuses on the importance of the law to the lives of students, parents and teachers.

Mobilizing and organizing the community will add weight to support the passage of anti-cybercrime bill, said Pagdilao.

Pagdilao added that as the CIDG look forward for the passage of the Senate Bill 2796, the CIDG at present is continuously conducting trainings coupled with sustained modernization of its digital forensic investigation capabilities through the help of the US Department of State’s Anti-Terrorism Assistance Program (ATAP).

The CIDG has recently concluded the training of sixteen CIDG investigators on Identification and Seizure of Digital Evidence (ISDE). The group has also expanded its digital capabilities with its recent acquisition of mobile digital forensic hardware amounting to P4-million, which was sponsored by the ATAP.

During the conclusion of the ISDE training, Mr. Edward Schlachter, the program manager of the US Anti-Terrorism Assistance Program in the Philippines vowed to continuously carry out and sustain the proactive partnership and cooperation of the US government and the Philippine National Police (PNP) by providing more trainings and equipment to the CIDG in the years to come.

January 19, 2012
CIDG marks 59 years of investigative excellence,SOJ De Lima is guest of honor
The Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) will celebrate on Thursday, January 19, 2011 its 59th founding year with the Secretary of Justice, Attorney Leila De Lima, as the guest of honor and speaker.

CIDG chief, Police Director Samuel D Pagdilao Jr. said that this year’s anniversary will be celebrated with the theme: “CIDG and the Community: Empowering Each Other Against Criminality”.

Pagdilao said that the highlights of tomorrow’s celebration are the awarding of CIDG’s units and individuals who have outdone the other in the implementation of the Group’s Flagship Thrust Programs especially in the arrest of most wanted persons, the neutralization of the organized crime groups and the confiscation of loose firearms in the year 2011.

Topping the best Regional Criminal Investigation and Detection Unit (RCIDU) is the 7th RCIDU based in Cebu City, under Police Senior Superintendent Jose V. Pante. It was selected as the best regional unit not only for the success of its operation relative to the CIDG’s Flagship Thrust but also for its successful collaboration with the local government of Cebu Province that resulted in the establishment of the first Regional Digital Forensic Laboratory and Training Center. The 7th RCIDU beat its close competitor, the 4A RCIDU based in Southern Tagalog Region, which came second to the 7thRCIDU and the NCRCIDU in Camp Crame.

Other than the Best RCIDU awards, the 7th RCIDU also bagged the best award for Oplan “PAGLALANSAG-OMEGA” for their last year’s efforts in the confiscation of illegal firearms and notable raids in illegal guns factory in Cebu City.

The provincial CIDG team in Ilocos Norte won the for the provincial category while the Anti-Organized Crime Division under (AOCD) Police Senior Superintendent Ronald Estilles won the category for the best Special Operations Division (SOD). AOCD was noted for its outstanding contributions to the success of the CIDG in its campaign against wanted persons, organized crime groups and other crimes.

Bagging the award for the Best in Oplan SALIKOP, the CIDG’s flagship program against organized crime group, is the NCR CIDG, which was notable for its successful apprehension of members of bank robbery gangs and other notorious criminals groups operating in Metro Manila.

Topping all regional units for the CIDG’s Oplan “PAGTUGIS” category is the 1st RCIDU based in San Fernado, La Union that recorded the highest efficiency rating on the campaign against wanted persons. For the individual awards, Police Senior Superintendent Napoleon Joel M Coronel, the CIDG’s regional chief in Metro Manila, won the Senior Police Commissioned Officer (PCO) of 2011; Police Chief Inspector Arbel C. Mercullo, Ilocos Sur CIDG Provincial Officer, as the Junior PCO of the Year; Senior Police Officer 2 Pablo Gentalian as the Senior Police Non-Commissioned Officer (PNCO) of the Year; and Police Officer 2 Franito S Clua, as the Junior (PNCO) of the Year.

Southern Tagalog Region CIDG chief, Police Senior Superintendent Bernabe Balba bagged the Senior Staff PCO of the Year for Administrative Category, while Police Superintendent Jacinto R Malinao, deputy chief of CIDG’s Anti-Organized Crime Division, won the Senior Staff PCO awards for Operational Matters.

Other police awardees are Police Chief Inspector Napoleon Duquez, Police Chief Inspector Ruben Lacuesta, SPO1 Ricardo Rey, SPO2 Danilo Matahum, PO2 May Anne Malcontento, PO3 Danny Gaces.

Special awards will be given also to CIDG Deputy Director for Administration, Police Chief Superintendent Benito Estipona, Deputy Director for Operations, Police Senior Superintendent Christopher Laxa and CIDG’s Chief of Staff, Police Senior Superintendent Rene D Ong.

Also, special awards will be given to outstanding civilians for their impeccable contributions to the success of the CIDG. Among them are Gwndolyn Fiel Garcia, governor of Cebu; Vice Governor Cesar Perez of Laguna; Councilman Alden Bacal of Cagayan De Oro City; Barangay Chairman Robert Olanolan of Cagayan De Oro City; Senior Assistant City Prosecutor Raymond Jonathan Lledo of the Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking (IACAT), and Mr. Takashi Furukawa.

Posthumous award will likewise be given to the late PO3 Cornelio Berania who died in an encounter with a wanted person in Antipolo City, Rizal province last August 8, 2011.

Looking back, 2011 was the year that the CIDG has demonstrated a significant stride in its mandate as the premier investigative arm of the PNP. It has solved 98.84 % of the 2,418 criminal cases reported by the public. With regard to its other campaigns, the CIDG has accounted for the arrest of 2, 278 most wanted persons, the dismantling of 72 organized crime groups, and the confiscation of 687 loose firearms from 426 suspects.

The CIDG, with its notable accomplishments and innovations in 2011, has effectively put back the Group into the consciousness of the Filipino people by breaching the boundary of conventional policing. Most notable of all the innovations that the CIDG introduces for 2011 were the creation of Special Project “AngelNet”—a 24/7 operation center and website that receives complaints, directs operation and issues advisories regarding internet predation and cyber crime; and the Community Investigative Support (CIS), which was CIDG's answer to the perennial problem on lack of personnel and resources. At present, CIS has 2,028 members nationwide, mostly professionals who are willing to share their talents and resources.

From the time it was launched in September 1, 2011, CIS has played a proactive part in supporting the CIDG in fulfilling its mandate in terms of investigation and solution of crimes. Among the cases that the CIDG has solved in 2011 with the aid of the CIS are the UPLB Rape-Slay Case, the encounter with Ferrer Hijacking Group, the solution of the P8 Million DSWD Robbery, arrest of the members of the Bermejo Group, and the solution of the Villalobos Murder Case.

Looking forward, Pagdilao said that CIDG’s humble contribution in 2011 will be the minimum standard of the group in 2012 in neutralizing organized crime groups, wanted persons and cybercrime groups.

Because 2012 is a prelude to the 2013 Midterm Elections, CIDG will conduct more preemptive operations against private armed groups and confiscate more loose firearms which are commonly used to intimidate voters during election period.

With the help of the CIS, the CIDG’s will further intensify its aggressive campaign syndicated crime groups involved in robbery holdup, human trafficking, cybercrime and frauds and account for more wanted persons in order to beat its scores for last year.

Pagdilao vowed for the CIDG to do its best to surpass the 98.84 % Crime Solution Efficiency rating it has recorded for 2011 and to double this year the number sensational cases and heinous crimes it has solved.

January 10, 2012
Pagdilao charged 5 CIDG cops for the escape of Korean detainee
Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) chief, Police Director Samuel D Pagdilao Jr. has ordered the relief and filing of administrative and criminal charges against five members of CIDG assigned in its Southern Metro Manila field office in relation to the December 27, 2011 escape of Kim Sung Kon, a Korean gangster recently arrested for illegal possession of firearms in Makati City.

Pagdilao identified those who were relieved administratively as Police Chief Inspector Ruben B Lacuesta, the chief of South Metro Manila CIDG field office, SPO2 Jose G. Yong, PO3 Joaquin Rafael K Florendo, PO3 Noel S Bunal, and PO2 Percival L Villaluz.

Pagdilao said that the CIDG has begun the summary hearing proceedings against the said CIDG personnel to determine their administrative liabilities apart from their criminal liabilities.

Meanwhile, charges for infidelity in the custody of prisoners and violation of anti-graft law were filed against PO3 Bunal who reportedly had a drinking spree with the Korean fugitive inside the CIDG’s field office in Taguig City before the latter escaped.

National Capital Region CIDG chief, Police Senior Superintendent Joel Napoleon M. Coronel said that another civilian employee, identified as Sherlex Sta. Cruz, was also charged with violation of anti-graft law in connection with the escape of Kim Sung Kon.

Coronel said that the CIDG-NCR has also launched a manhunt operation against the escaped Korean fugitive.

Coronel said that Kim Sung Kon was arrested by the CIDG last December 14, 2011 in Burgos St., Makati City for illegal possession of a caliber 38 pistol. His companion Kim Won Bin was also arrested for carrying a plastic bag with 50 rounds of ammunition for caliber 45.

Coronel added that prior to the arrest of the two Koreans, the CIDG, in cooperation with the Embassy of the Republic of Korea, has been investigating the cases on kidnapping of Korean nationals in Paranaque City and Cebu City allegedly perpetrated by the two suspects.

On December 27, between 12:30 and 1:30 am, Kim Sung Kon escaped from the detention facility of the CIDG field office in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City after he had a drinking spree with his fellow Korean detainee and PO3 Bunal.

Lacuesta the following morning promptly informed the Korean Embassy that the CIDG has launched a manhunt operation against Kim Sung Kon, an effort that Consul Kim Tae Soo has appreciated.

January 06, 2012
CIDG, CIS join relief efforts to “Sendong” victims in CDO
The Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) along with its mass-based volunteer organization, the Community Investigative Support (CIS) have mobilized its 2,000-strong members nationwide to organize a relief operation for the victims of typhoon “Sendong” in disaster-battered barangays of Cagayan De Oro City.

CIDG chief, Police Director Samuel D Pagdilao Jr. said that members of CIS all over the country have funneled donations in the form of food, medicine, water and used clothes.

Pagdilao added that a 40-footer container van loaded with relief goods donated by CIDG and CIS volunteers was shipped to Cagayan De Oro last week. Another truckload of relief goods donated by CIS members in Southern Mindanao was brought to Cagayan De Oro City.

These goods were distributed to three thousand families in the barangays of Bulua, Kauswagan, Iponan and Balulang in Cagayan De Oro City last December 29, 2011 when the CIDG and the CIS carried out their relief operation.

Joining Pagdilao during the distribution of more than 5,000 packs of assorted relief goods in Cagayan De Oro City were Police Senior Superintendent Rhodel O. Sermonia, chief of CIDG’s Task Group “Maverick”, Police Chief Inspector Edilberto Leonardo CIDG chief in Region 11, Police Senior Superintendent Generoso Bonifacio of Region 9, Police Senior Superintendent Eliseo Tam Rasco of Region 10, Cagayan De Oro City Councilor Alvin D. Bacal, who is also the president of CIS for Region 10, Mr. Bernard Bernabe, owner of Shomai House and the barangay captains.

Also, some 150 bales of assorted relief clothes were handed to the local Social Welfare and Development Office, to be given to more victims of the Typhoon “Sendong”.

Pagdilao said that the relief operation carried-out by the CIDG and the CIS in Cagayan De Oro City demonstrates the proactive partnership that the CIDG has fostered with kind-hearted members of the community who are willing to share their talents and resources to aid the CIDG in its mandate.

Through the CIS, the CIDG and the community were able to empower each other to proactively respond not only to situations that requires actions relative to anti-criminality but also in situations that call for every sector of the society to pull their strength and resources to help the victims of disasters.

January 05, 2012
CIDG-ATCCD rescue male minor from pedophile in Cubao hotel
Operatives of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) Anti-Transnational and Cyber Crime Division have rescued a male minor last night from a homosexual government official who brought the victim inside a hotel in Cubao, Quezon City for sex.

CIDG chief, Police Director Samuel D Pagdilao Jr. identified the suspect as Victor Suma, alias Varic Lee, 42, Employment Officer III of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) and a resident of 24C Matiyaga St. Pinyahan, Quezon City.

The suspect was arrested inside room number 502 of Walnut Hotel located at New York St. Cubao, Quezon City while in the company of a minor. The CIDG has charged the suspect with violation of ant-child abuse law.

Also arrested during the operation were four employees of Walnut Hotel who were charged for promoting and facilitating activities that constitute child prostitution.

Pagdilao identified the four employees as Anthony Benitez, 25, room boy; Michael Torcuator, 27, acting supervisor and cook; Jennifer Fajardo, cashier; and Mike Ron Santos, 21, room boy.

ATCCD chief, Police Senior Superintendent Gilbert Sosa said that the arrest of the suspects stemmed from the complaints of Paolo Gumaro and six other including three minors through the assistance of Fr. Matthieu Dauchez, Executive Director of Tulay Ng Kabataan Foundation, a non-government organization social welfare and development agency. The complaint was coursed through the cyber tip line of CIDG’s Special Project “Angel Net”, a 24/7 operation center and website that also serves as serves as a center for protecting children from internet pornography and other form of abuses.

Investigation disclosed that the victims were befriended by the suspect through texting and social network chatting. The suspect allegedly lured the victims with money in exchange of sexual services. The victims told the CIDG that the suspect often use the Wallnut Hotel as venue.

Sosa said that Suma was supposed to meet one of the male victims for the second time last December 30, 2011 but the meeting was rescheduled last night, January 4. The suspect and the victim agreed to rendezvous at a fast food restaurant in Kalayaan Avenue, in Quezon City.

Around 7:30 last night, the suspect on board a Suzuki Celerio hatchback (PIH 381) arrived at the said restaurant and picked-up the victim and proceeded to Walnut Hotel where they checked-in at room 502. Immediately after the suspect has brought the victim inside the room, the CIDG operatives carried out the rescue operation and arrested the suspect.

January 02, 2012
Pagdilao bares CIDG’s 2011 accomplishment to President Aquino
The Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) has recorded a 98.84 % Crime Solution Efficiency and has accounted for a total arrest of 2,878 most wanted persons and the neutralization of 72 crime syndicates in the year 2011, Police Director Samuel D Pagdilao Jr. said.

2011 was also the year that the CIDG has demonstrated an incomparable excellence in its aggressive campaign against human trafficking and cyber criminality in the country, said Pagdilao.

“Humility aside in so short a time, CIDG’s turnaround has been noted and reported by the media and acknowledged by the public. I credit this to the dedicated and motivated personnel of CIDG who draws inspiration from your lead,” Pagdilao told President Benigno S Aquino III in his yearender report dated December 30, 2011.

In his report, Pagdilao said that from his assumption as CIDG beginning April 8, 2011, the PNP’s premier investigative arm has investigated a total of 2,418 cases, out of which 2,390 were solved.

Foremost in the list is the CIDG’s support for the President’s “Tuwid na Daan” program of purging government of grafters and corrupt officials. For the year 2011, the CIDG has filed plunder and anti-graft cases against former highly placed government officials and PNP officers in the anomalous procurement of three PNP Raven-1 helicopters allegedly owned by the former first gentleman, Atty. Jose Miguel Arroyo, and sold as brand new to the PNP; the anomalous negotiated procurement of 75 rubber boats and 18 outboard motors for the use of the PNP Maritime Group; and the anomalous procurement of 16 defective coastal crafts.

Pagdilao said that the CIDG is also done with and is ready to file any time the case of the anomalous repair of PNP V-150 light armored vehicles wherein 43 respondents composed of former and incumbent police officials as well as private persons will be charged with plunder and violation of the Anti-Graft Law.

Contrary to insinuations, Pagdilao said that the CIDG has spared from the charges lowly placed non-commissioned officers and civilian employees unless they were key players in the controversies.

Pagdilao added that among the other sensational cases that the CIDG has solved in 2011 were the rape-slay case of UPLB coed Given Grace Cebanico last October 11; the P8-million DSWD Robbery in Tacloban City last October 17 and the recovery of part of the loot; the BIR Director Marcelino Yap murder case in Antipolo City and the arrest of gunman Armando Carino last April 23, the Pilar Pilapil case last April 14; the killing of Police Superintendent Rodney Ramirez, former Batangas PNP intelligence chief, last July 12 in Taal, Batangas; the August 15 Tacurong car bombing that resulted in the death of Board Member Datu Russman Sinsuat Sr. and Raffy Pareras; the murder of retired Dagupan City lady judge Corazon Merrera last August 6 and the arrest of the suspects; and the arrest of PO2 Lino Matira, the primary suspect in the murder of PO3 Noel Villalobos in Lemery, Batangas.

Within a period of 8 months, Pagdilao said that the CIDG has neutralized 72 organized crime groups engaged in bank robberies, carjacking and gun for-hire-activities that resulted into the arrest of 325 suspects and the death of 36 others.

Among the significant operations that the CIDG has carried-out against organized crime groups were the encounter with Ferrer highway robbery-hijacking group in San Pedro, Laguna that resulted in the death of 4 suspects; the encounter with Lintag carjacking and robbery group in Quezon City that resulted in the death of 5 suspects; the encounter with Burac robbery group in Camarines Sur; the encounter with Gerona robbery-hijacking group in San Pablo City, Laguna; the neutralization of Bermejo gun-for-hire syndicate in Antipolo City; the arrest of 2 members of Ampang Colanco bank robbery syndicate in Caticlan, Malay, Aklan; the neutralization of the Cheng-Chan-Lin human trafficking syndicate bases in Angles City, Pampanga that resulted in the arrest of 15 Chinese and Taiwanese members of the group; the arrest of 3 members of Cadavero bank robber group in Morato Avenue, Quezon City; the buy-bust operation against Bamboo Gang Syndicate in South Triangle, Quezon City that resulted in the seizure of 20 kilos of shabu and the arrest of two drug trafficking suspects; the neutralization of Ozamis Group of Dumaguete City that resulted in the arrest of 6 suspects and the recovery of P4-thousand worth of illegal drugs; the neutralization of a Korean mafia involved in kidnapping-for-ransom in Tiaong, Quezon; the neutralization of Alferez robbery Group and the arrest of 2 members of Obligar Group in San Nicolas, Batangas.

In response to the directive of PNP Chief, Director General Nicanor Bartolome for the PNP to conduct aggressive campaign against wanted persons, the CIDG has accounted for the arrest of some of the most dangerous wanted persons in the country involved in high profile crimes. A total of P9.425 million reward money was also claimed by informers.

Among these were the arrests of Adzhar Nawali and Imam Arabani Jakiran, both members of Abu Sayyaf Group who figured in the Dos Palmas kidnapping incident; Maguindanao massacre suspects Fahad Watamama Utto, ex-PO1 Dukoy Badal, Ex PO2 Tanny Awal Dalgan and Rakim Amil; MILF-SOG member Abi Paminay who was wanted for multiple murder case in Sultan Kudarat; Mark Kevin Lapuz who was the primary suspect in the killing of Jerome Carlos Quizon, the grandson of comedian Dolphy; and the arrest of Lennard Descalzo alias Spyke, one of the suspects in the gruesome Ruby Rose Jimenez murder case.

Pagdilao said that with regard to the aggressive campaign against wanted persons, the CIDG has also implemented the service of warrant of arrests for several high profile personalities including former president, now Pampanga Representative Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and former COMELEC commissioner Lintang Bidol.

On the CIDG’s operation against private armed groups, the CIDG has arrested 426 suspects and confiscated a total of 687 firearms.

Year 2011 also highlights the CIDG’s support in the Aquino Government’s commitment to fight human trafficking in the country. For the said year, the CIDG took part in the aggressive fight against human trafficking syndicates that resulted in the arrest of 50 trafficking in person violators including foreigners, the rescue of 377 victims mostly female sex workers and the filing of TIP violation.

Among these were the raids conducted by the CIDG in Club Pharaoh KTV in Makati City, in Blue Nile and Golden Nile in Fields Avenue in Angeles City, and the raid at Shine 2010 KTV in Sta Mesa that resulted in the rescue of 8 sex workers, including a 16-year old Muslim run-away girl. In May 10, the CIDG has also neutralized an escort service-prostitution ring ran by a Korean Mafia in Makati City.

Pagdilao said that the success of CIDG’s Anti-TIP campaign has significantly aided the Philippine government in demonstrating its sincerity to address the concerns of human trafficking, later paving the way for the US State Department to remove the Philippines from the Tier Two Watch List.

Year 2011 also saw the CIDG at the forefront of the campaign to proactively prevent the country from becoming a haven for international cyber crime syndicates. Pagdilao said that in spite of the lack of law that addresses cyber crime, the CIDG has carried out 14 high profile operations against cyber criminals that resulted into the arrest of 34 suspects.

Among these were the arrest last November 24 of four Manila-based Filipino hackers linked to JI terrorist who were involved in the AT&T hacking, the arrest of Shin Un-Sun, a fugitive Korean wanted for the multi-million hacking of Hyundai Company and the hacking and trading of state secrets of several countries, and the arrest of 8 Nigerians involved in sex trade of minors in Manila.

The CIDG owed its success in fighting cyber crime to the improvement of its capabilities particularly in training and acquisition of modern digital forensics equipment, which were largely done through liaison with foreign and local government counterparts. Among these were Project “Angel Net”, a 24/7 operation center and website that will serve as the take-off point to level up the PNP's capability in fighting cybercrimes and protecting children from internet pornography and other abuses, as well as the establishment of a P3M Digital Forensics Laboratory & Training Center in Cebu City through the help of the Provincial Governor of Cebu. This modern laboratory is equipped with the recently acquired P2M worth of state-of-the-art mobile digital forensics equipment from the US State Department through the Anti-Terrorism Assistance Program (ATAP).

The CIDG in the year that passed took active part in government’s effort to protect the environment. Among these are the seizure of 40 tons of banned black corals, red corals and banned shells from a warehouse in Zamboanga City, the confiscation of 1,667 live endangered Philippine Gecko in General Santos City, which according to the DENR is the biggest rescue of endangered Philippine wildlife in the history, and the seizure of illegally cut timber in coordination with DENR Task Force (TF) Miranda.

Pagdilao assured the President that CIDG’s humble contribution in 2011 will be the minimum standard of the CIDG in 2012.

“As we look forward to more successful anti-criminality operations guided by the central theme for 2012, “CIDG and the Community: Empowering Each Other Against Criminality”, The CIDG will continue to be motivated by His Excellency’s resolve of good and honest governance. Rest assured, we will give our best for the country and people – we can do no less,” Pagdilao told President Aquino.

December 12, 2011
CIDG-AFCCD seizes illegal sex enhancer drugs
Operatives of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) Anti-Fraud and Commercial Crimes Division (AFCCD) have confiscated assorted prohibited sex enhancer drugs in a raid at Chinese drugstores in Manila and Marikina City last weekend.

CIDG Chief, Police Director Samuel D Pagdilao Jr. said that a total of 156 bottles containing sex enhancer drugs worth P78-thousand were seized by the AFCCD from four drugstores, the South Ocean Chinese Drugstore, located along Ongpin St., Sta Cruz, Manila; 167 Hypermart Marketing at MGM Center, M Cruz corner P Dela Paz St., Sto Nino, Marikina City; I-Like G RTW Trading, along E Dela Paz St., Sta Elena, Marikina City and at LCH Health Shop at Marquinto Mall, Marikina City.

AFCCD chief, Police Superintendent Honorio Agnila said that around 9:00 AM last Friday, December 9, 2011, CIDG operatives have simultaneously served search warrants against the said establishments for violation of RA 8203 or the Act Prohibiting Counterfeit Drugs.

Agnila added that there are proof that these prohibited drugs were being repacked for quick selling and distribution after the CIDG has confiscated 8 boxes containing 10 bottles each and three more boxes for repacking at the South Ocean Chinese Drugstore.

Agnila said that the confiscated sex enhancer drugs, suspected to be imported from China, were deemed prohibited after the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) certified that they are not registered and that its distribution, selling and consumption are prohibited.

December 01, 2011
Balba now head of CIDG in Southern Tagalog,vows aggressive drive against MWP and OCGs
Police Senior Superintendent Bernabe M Balba has formally assumed as the head of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) in Southern Tagalog region with CIDG Deputy Director for Operations, Police Senior Superintendent Christopher Laxa leading the turnover rites this morning.

CIDG director, Police Director Samuel D Pagdilao Jr. said that the turnover ceremonies this morning at the CIDG’s regional office in Camp Vicente Lim, Calamba City was still part of the first wave of adjustment that he has ordered last November 8, 2011, which was intended to further improve the performance of the CIDG by placing the right people for the right job and to support the development of individual career of CIDG officers.

Outgoing CALABARZON RCIDU chief Police Senior Superintendent Edwin Jose G Nemenzo will exchange post with Balba as head of the Intelligence Division of the CIDG in Camp Crame, Quezon City.

Balba during the turnover rites vowed that the CIDG in Southern Tagalog will become more visibly aggressive in its campaign against wanted persons and organized crime groups.

Balba announced that CIDG in Southern Tagalog region will launch a no-letup campaign against robbery syndicates and their nefarious activities and intensify the application and service of search warrants to lose firearm holders to prevent the proliferation of illegal firearms that are often being used by crime groups in their illegal operations.

“I will run a full review and updating of cases being investigated by the CIDG here as well as the order of battle against members of robbery syndicates who are most of the time listed as wanted persons in order to ensure their immediate arrests and charging in courts,” said Balba.

Balba said that the CIDG will also launch special projects and case operation plans against high value targets especially groups involved in bank robberies and riding in tandem suspects in this region.

Because Southern Tagalog is a premier region and is the country’s show window of investment and industrialization, Balba vowed to become more proactive and aggressive in taking the lead role in the investigations of sensational crimes to restore the glory of the CIDG being the premier investigative unit of the Philippine National Police (PNP).

October 15, 2011
CIDG charges 21 PNP execs, civilian conspirators in rubber boat scam
The Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) last week charged before the Office of the Ombudsman 21 persons, including retired and active police officials previously implicated in the Raven 1 PNP helicopter conspiracy, for their involvement this time in the anomalous P131.5-million negotiated procurement last 2009 of 75 police rubber boats (PRB) and 18 spare outboard motors (OBM) intended for the use of the PNP Maritime Group.

CIDG chief, Police Director Samuel D Pagdilao Jr. said that the CIDG last October 6, 2011, charged with cases for violation of Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act and Falsification by Public Officer were four retired police executives, 12 active police officials and five civilians including two civilian employees.

In a 73-pages Investigation Report attached by the CIDG to its case file before the Office of the Ombudsman, those found liable were former PNP Chief, retired Police Director General Jesus AME Verzosa; Deputy Chief PNP for Administration, Deputy Police Director General Benjamin Belarmino Jr.; retired Deputy Police Director General Jefferson P Soriano; Police Director Luizo C. Ticman; retired Police Director Romeo Hilomen; Police Director George Q. Piano; Police Chief Superintendent Herold Ubalde; Police Chief Superintendent Luis Saligumba; Police Senior Superintendent Job Nolan Antonio; Police Superintendent Edgar Pataan; Police Superintendent Joel Garcia; Police Superintendent Ermiliando Villafuerte; Police Superintendent Roman Loreto; Police Superintendent Henry Duque; Police Chief Inspector Ronald Lee; SPO3 Maria Linda Padojinog; civilian employees Ruben Gonggona and Marife Dungca.

Also charged as co-conspirators in the questionable negotiated procurement were the suppliers, Harold Ong of Enviro Aire, Senen Arabaca of Geneve SA Philippines and Alex Tayao of Bay Industrial Philippines.

Pagdilao said that CIDG’s investigation on the rubber boat scam and the filing of cases against the 21 respondents stemmed from the findings and complaint made by the Maritime Group that there were noted defects and functional incompatibility in the delivered 75 Zodiac FC 470 Futura Commando Rubber Boats.

Pagdilao said that defects were particularly noted on the 41 PRBs delivered by the supplier Geneve SA Philippines that could not be fitted with the 60 Horse Power engines supplied by Enviro-Aire, which provided reasons why most of these procured rubber boats are not being used for its intended purpose.

The PRBs can be utilized only with the use of paddle thereby defeating the purpose of which they were programmed for Internal Security Operations, which means that the boats should be fit for sea and in-land water patrols. The PNP paid the Geneve SA Philippines with an amount of more than P45.2-million for the defective rubber boats that the Maritime Group cannot use.

Pagdilao said that the CIDG Special Investigation Team directed to investigate the questionable negotiated procurement of PRB and OBM has found out that there exists prima facie evidence which establishes that the respondents have committed violation of the anti-graft law.

Pagdilao added that the suppliers have conspired with the said police officials during the negotiation conference in dictating the pricing and the number of patrol boats and outboard motors and their accessories that each supplier would deliver. He said that it was apparently dictated that 24 patrol boats will be delivered by Enviro Aire, 10 for Bay Industries Philippines and 41 by the Geneve SA Philippines.

Pagdilao noted that the separate procurement appeared to have triggered the mess and the dysfunction both in the process of procurement and in rendering some of the procured PRBs into non-use status.

On the other hand, Department of Interior and Local Government Secretary Jesse Robredo noted that the recommendation to conduct negotiation by the BAC as approved by the head of the procuring entity was in particular to avoid public bidding so that contracts can be awarded to the three favored suppliers.

Pagdilao said that the police officials charged with violation of the anti-graft law have committed gross inexcusable negligence by failing to adhere to section 34, Rule X of the RA 9184, by not adhering to NAPOLCOM resolutions particularly in separately procuring the PRB and OBM, and by committing conspiracy by changing the warranty period from three years to one year.

Pagdilao said that this specific problem could have been avoided and should have not occurred if only the NAPOLCOM rules were strictly followed and that those who were responsible in the inspection and acceptance of these PRBs and OBMs had exercised prudence and due diligence in the performance of their respective tasks.