Mindanaotoday.com | 3 criminal gang members from Bukidnon yield to PNP-10
By: Jigger Jerusalem
CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – With the surrender of three persons belonging to one of the notorious criminal gangs operating in Bukidnon, the police regional office-10 (PRO-10) is optimistic peace and order will prevail in the province as progress and development are expected to arrive especially in the remote villages.
In a press conference held Monday at the Camp 1Lt. Vicente Alagar in Barangay Lapasan, this city, Brig. Gen. Lawrence Coop, PRO-10 regional director, said those who returned to the fold of the law are behind the gang named by authorities as the Acuman criminal group.
He identified the surrenderers as Dario Acuman, the group’s leader; Erwin Acuman, alias “Kapitan,”; and Ryan Acuman, also known as “Opaw.” They were presented to the media March 13.
Coop said the group is involved in illegal activities such as robbery, cattle rustling, and extortion mainly in the municipality of Talakag and adjacent towns.
He said the surrenderers are all related by blood and have existing multiple warrants of arrest for the crimes of murder, frustrated murder, attempted murder, and illegal possession of high-powered firearms and ammunition.
The Acumans also turned over to the police an M16 rifle, an M14 rifle, and a cal. 45 pistol and ammunition for these firearms.
“Because of a series of operations conducted by the police, the group’s membership has dwindled and their area has narrowed prompting them to surrender,” Coop said.
He said the group used to have 14 men, then it was reduced to nine, then to five members.
With only two left in the group, Coop said it’s only a matter of time before the remaining members will follow suit and lay down their arms.
“Our efforts have now resulted positively as several members of the criminal gang have surrendered to the folds of law. I commend the PRO-10 personnel for doing this job excellently and rest assured that we will be proactive in our intel-driven operation with the active support of the community to attain a progressive place to live, work and invest,” Coop said.
He said that based on information the police have gathered, the Acuman group members were not hired to attack any political figure recently. (MT)
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