Alakdan notorious gang leader nabbed in Nueva Ecija

Santa Rosa, Nueva Ecija, Municipal Hall.

SANTA ROSA, Nueva Ecija, August 3, 2011-Senior Superintendent Roberto Aliggayu, provincial police director revealed that the leader of a notorious criminal gang engaged in at least 17 robbery-holdup, gun-for-hire and carnapping activities in this town and adjoining towns in the province, was arrested late Tuesday night by operatives of the local police in the town proper.

The suspect identified as Ponciano Germino, 39, of Barangay Lourdes in this town, who is the leader of the dreaded Alakdan Group, a 17-man band involved in a string of criminal activities in the province in recent months.

Police Superintendent Ricardo Villanueva, chief of the provincial intelligence bureau said that only eight (8) members of the group remained after the others were waylaid in shoot-outs with lawmen in various operations in the province.

Chief Inspector Marcelino Veneracion, Santa Rosa police chief, who led the police team, arrested Germino at around 10:30 pm Tuesday in Barangay Poblacion where he was spotted pushing his motorcycle towards Barangay Cojuangco. Lawmen took from his possession one caliber 45 pistol and one magazine with eight live ammunitions.

Veneracion said that the operation against Germino was carried out after several days of intelligence build-up.

Germino is the leader of the Alakdan group tagged for the robbery-holdup with homicide in connection with the death of one Rolando Batalla who was held-up then killed in Barangay Bayanihan, Gapan City last May 4.

He is also facing a case for robbery-holdup with frustrated homicide for robbing businesswomen Ma. Cecilia Sta. Ana and Juanita Sta. Ana in Barangay Sto. Rosario here last April 13. Taken from the duo were P400,000 worth of cash.

Santa Rosa, Maharlika highway.

Ten hours later – Germino carted a Mio Soul motorcycle from 16-year-old victim John Bryan Canada in Barangay Valenzuela in this town.

A day before, Germino also carnapped a motorcycle owned by one Analyn Enriquez in Barangay Luna also here. 

Germino has standing warrants of arrest in the Regional Trial Court (RTC) in Cabanatuan and the Municipal Trial Court in this town.

A bail bond of P180,000 was recommended by Cabanatuan RTC Branch 25 Judge Teresita Cativo for carnapping.

Charges of violations of Republic Act 8294 for illegal possession of firearms have been filed against Geronimo. (Jason de Asis)