Notorious gang leader in Zambo Norte falls

From the Philippine Information Agency (Jun 15): Notorious gang leader in Zambo Norte falls

Joint elements of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), Philippine National Police (PNP) in the Zamboanga Peninsula region, and Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) successfully apprehended a notorious gang leader operating in the province of Zamboanga del Norte.

Abner Gumandol, the alleged leader of the notorious Muloc Group also known as “Seharmuloc” and “Red Eye,” was apprehended at Barangay Kaliantana, Naga, Zamboanga Sibugay Province on June 12.

In a press conference held at the PNP Provincial Command, PSSupt. Edwin C. Wagan, Zamboanga del Norte PNP Provincial Director said Gumandol was arrested by virtue of a Warrant of Arrest (WOA) issued by Judge Cherry Concha of RTC Branch 10, Dipolog City on December 14, 2015 for kidnapping.

Gumandol’s group, with more or less 20 members is suspected to be involved in the kidnapping of Salug, Zamboanga del Norte Mayor Jeffrey Lim on April 2, 2012 and was responsible for the abduction of retired Italian priest and pizzeria owner  Rolando del Torchio from his business establishment inside the Andres Bonifacio College compound on October 7, 2015.

Lim was released on November 5 of the same year, while del Torchio was released on April 8, 2016.

According to Wagan, Muloc Group has been operating in the municipalities of Salug, Liloy, Godod and Tampilisan, Zamboanga del Norte for quite some time and is being linked to extortion, shooting, robbery, kidnapping and gun-for-hire activities specially in the third congressional district of the province.

Gumandol is presently detained at the ZNPPO with heavy security provided by the police and the Provincial Command has been placed on red alert 24/7 since the notorious gang leader was brought in.

Wagan assured that he is in constant communication with other friendly forces in the area who expressed readiness to extend support should their help be needed.

With the arrest of the notorious gang leader, the PNP chief said that kidnapping and other criminal activities in the province will be reduced.

Wagan attributed the success of their operation to the information provided by concerned citizens and other law enforcement agencies based in the province. Wagan however, said that he is not aware if there is any reward for Gumandol’s arrest.

http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/1441465968854/notorious-gang-leader-in-zambo-norte-falls