3 robbery suspects from Mt. Province arrested in Ilocos Sur

Mt. Province, Philippines – Three robbery suspects from Bauko, Mt. Province were arrested in an intelligence-driven checkpoint along Bonifacio, Cabugao, Ilocos Sur around 12 a.m. on January 7, 2023.

The checkpoint was established following a robbery reported in Bauang, La Union, says the Public Information Office of Police Regional Office 1.

In a press release, the police stated the suspects ransacked the house of Virginia Ardina, the President of Liga ng mga Barangay of Bauang on Jan. 04, taking away valuables and cash with an estimated amount of P423,000. They further looted from the victim’s vehicle the sling bag of George Picardal containing P100,000 cash, a bank book, ATM cards, and a Cal. 45 MAC pistol.

As seen in CCTV footage, the suspects fled using a Toyota Innova bearing plate number AAN 6113.

It was around 11 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 06 when La Union Police Director, PCol Lambert A. Suerte informed Ilocos Sur Police Director, PCol. Marlo A. Castillo that the vehicle matching the forwarded information was sighted within his area of responsibility, prompting the latter to order intelligence monitoring and establish checkpoints.

The suspects were flagged down at a checkpoint in front of the police outpost at Barangay Bonifacio, Cabugao. They attempted to run away but were eventually subdued and arrested by the responding police personnel.

As identified by the Regional Director of Ilocos, PBGen John C. Chua, the arrested suspects are Marlon Padaco, 31, driver; Ceasar Mangamling, 41, gardener, both residents of Barangay Dapapan, Bauko, Mt. Province; and Milton Padaco, 35, driver, a native of Lagawa, Bauko, Mt. Province but is currently residing in Tamurong, Candon City, Ilocos Sur.

Recovered from the suspects were two caliber .45 pistols, one hand grenade, one Glock 9 MM pistol, a bolt cutter, 28 bullets for cal. 45, 18 bullets for 9MM, a white crystalline substance believed to be shabu, five cellular phones (4 touch screen and 1 keypad), and other personal belongings.

The Cal. 45 MAC was identified to be the stolen firearm of Picardal while the Glock 9 MM pistol was also discovered to have been stolen from A1 First Class Rienel Arcona and Airwoman Josea Mariz Sarabia, both members of the Philippine Airforce based at Villamor Airbase, Pasay City.

Recovered items were subjected to verification and forensic examinations.

Meanwhile, the suspects are now under police custody while appropriate charges are being prepared.

Chua commended the coordination of the police units which resulted in the successful operation.

“The no let-up investigation efforts of La Union police office, the Intelligence build up, immediate dispatch of troops for checkpoints of Ilocos Sur police office, and the Inter-operabilities and cooperation of other police provincial offices, brought us this successful endeavor. This is proof that we should always work as a team,” said the regional director.

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