BALER, Aurora, October 4, 2011-A top official in this town reported that the leader of holdupper group here was killed in a shootout and three among them were nabbed by Aurora police force after a series of intelligence buildup and follow up operation.
Major Edgardo Togonon said that the encounter sprung at about 3:00 in the afternoon (September 29, 2011), were the joint team of Baler police, Aurora provincial police and Aurora provincial public safety company who proceeded to the reported hide-out cottage of prison escapee Marlito Angara y Bitong at Sitio Calipatan, Barangay Reserva.
“The suspects Roberto Francia Jr, together with Marlito, Jaycee Padua alias Black, and five (5) John Does who were heavily armed suddenly opened fire at the approaching team,” Togonon said.
The police warned the suspects for cease fire but was ignored by the group of Angara that prompted the team for the exchange of fire.
After more or less five (5) minutes of firefights, Marlito was left dead by his group members, Roberto Francia Jr alias Barurot, Jaycee Padua and five (5) John Does managed to escape.
Aurora PNP Crime Laboratory Office led by Police Chief Inspector Arman O. de Vera processed the crime scene.
The police recovered from Marlito’s possession one (1) hand grenade and one (1) .38 Armscor revolver caliber with serial nr 985011.
On the same day, after 30 minutes of follow-up operation by the authorities at around 5:00 o’clock in the afternoon, suspect Roberto Francia Jr. alias “BARUROT” was intercepted by elements of Dipaculao cops who served as blocking force.
Francia was properly turned over to Baler Municipal Police Station for proper disposition.
Togonon said that the group of Marlito is also the suspect in AURELCO Robbery Case, Hernandez Robbery with Rape Case and other sensational cases that transpired in Central Aurora.
“This is the effort of the Aurora police force intelligence buildup and we will continue our mission to stop these lawless elements,” Togonon said.
As of this report the police authorities are still on manhunt operation to the other suspects at large while suspects Edgar Estabillo y Sauy, Soriano, and Francia were already in jail. (Jason de Asis)
