5 suspects in ambush of cops nabbed

CEBU, Philippines — Five suspects behind the ambush of policemen, who were conducting surveillance operations in a marijuana plantation in Toledo City, were arrested Saturday.

They were identified as Eduardo Alisoso Cabiles Jr, Anecito Ordinisa Alisoso, Diovenal Alisoso Cabiles, Ian Alisoso Cabiles, and Regie Bitor Cabiles. They are all blood-related.

The suspects were arrested by the personnel of the Cebu Provincial Police Office’s second Provincial Mobile Force Company (PMFC) in a pursuit operation in Sitio Kalogtokan, Barangay Pangamihan in Toledo.

Seized from them were loose firearms, bullets, a grenade, and a kilo of dried marijuana worth P12,000.

Complaints for the violation of Republic Act (RA) 9165 (the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002) and RA 10591 (the Comprehensive Law on Firearms and Ammunition) will be filed against them today.

Charges of frustrated murder will also be slapped against the suspects, who are now detained at the Toledo City Police Station detention cell.

Police Master Sergeant Doughlas Maravillas of the first PMFC was wounded on the left part of his body and on his shoulder during the ambush last Monday.

Police Major Dave Mahilum of 1st PMFC said the suspects were notorious marijuana cultivators in Sitio Kalogtokan, where they reside.

"Grupo gyud to sila sa mga planters og marijuana didto nga lugar,” he said.

Mahilum said marijuana production might decrease due to the arrest of the group.

“They are a big deal in marijuana trading,” Mahilum said.

“Isang pamilya kasi silang magtatanim. Parang hanapbuhay talaga nila yun. Sa pagkahuli natin sa kanila ngayon ay mababawasan talaga yung supply ng marijuana," he said.

Eduardo was the head of the group, said Mahilum

Eduardo, a known marijuna cultivator for years, has a standing warrant of arrest issued in 2017.

But during the serving of the arrest warrant, Eduardo allegedly exchanged gunfire with the operatives.

"Daghan napud na siya (Eduardo Cabiles) og kaso," said Mahilum.

As to the one who shot Maravillas, Mahilum said, one of the arrested men did it.

“Hindi nila masabi, pero sabi nila yung bumaril ay nasa kanilang tatlo,si Eduardo, si Diovenal,tsaka yung isang Alisoso," Mahilum said.

Mahilum said his office received information on the whereabouts of the suspects from residents who also guided them during the operation.  KQD (FREEMAN)