Gun-for-hire syndicate in Batangas disbanded
Police disbanded a gun-for-hire syndicate allegedly responsible for the deaths of some politicians in Batangas, Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief Oscar Albayalde announced on Monday morning.
Operatives of Calabarzon dismantled the Bantugon Group after the capture of Geronimo Bantugon for illegal possession of high-powered firearms and explosives. Bantugon is the alleged supplier of weapons for the group.
The group is allegedly behind the murder of former vice mayor Julio Cruzat of Bauan, Batangas in November 2013 and former vice mayor Demetrio Alajar of Tuy Batangas on 2015.
Cruzat was killed because of his close political ties to the Dolor clan, which is the political enemy of the Bantugon Group.
Alajar was killed for failing to return a large amount of money entrusted to him by Nilo Bantugon, which was supposed to be used in illegal gambling operations in Batangas City.
The syndicate also gained notoriety for operating an illegal quarry, scrap metal trading, and fuel pilferage activities in the town of Bauan and Mabini.
Leonilo “Ka Nilo” Bantugon, the group’s former leader, was killed by police operatives in 2016 while serving a warrant of arrest.
Albayalde also revealed that two ex-policemen were members of the group — Mark Anthony Bugayong and Nestor Sumagpang.
He said disbanding the group was significant not only for the police campaign against crime but also for the illegal gun trade.
“It’s very significant [because]this is all part of our offensives against suspected gun-for-hire, not only gun-for-hire but also those who are involved in the illegal gun trade,” he said.
Albayalde also said that it was possible that the syndicate was linked to the assassination of Tanauan City vice mayor Antonio Halili although there was not enough evidence to prove it.
The groups’ current leader, Leonardo Bantugon Jr., is allegedly hiding in Mindoro. ROY NARRA
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