4 alleged

Four alleged remnants of the dreaded "Kuratong Baleleng Gang" responsible for a string of kidnap-for-ransom and serial robberies in Metro Manila were arrested by members of the Caloocan City police last Saturday.

Senior Superintendent Samuel Pagdilao Jr., Caloocan police chief, identified the suspects as Jerry Belarde, 28, the gang's alleged leader, native of Balasan, Iloilo City and Reynaldo Acebedo, 35, native of Tago, Surigao del Sur; Ereneo Padual, 26, and Jolito Castro, 28, all of Phase 9, NHA Pabahay, Bagong Silang in Caloocan City.

Castro and Padual were the first to be arrested by operatives of the Caloocan police community precinct 3 led by Inspector Roy Cruz, at around 3 p.m. Saturday on Maria Clara street between Sixth and Seventh avenues, Caloocan.

Police said they were alerted to the presence of the two by a taxi driver who had ferried them there.

"Nag report ang taxi driver sa mobil dahil kakaiba daw and kanilang galaw at may mga malalaking bag na dala," Pagdilao said.

A search conducted by police on the suspects' bags yielded a hand grenade, a caliber .38 revolver, a caliber .30 carbine and assorted ammunition.

Tactical interrogation of the two led to the naming of Belarde, a former Civilian Auxiliary Force Geographical Unit (CAFGU) member, and Acebedo who were arrested in follow-up operations.

Their arrest netted a .22 revolver, a homemade .38 revolver and several live ammunition.

Police said the suspects are believed to be responsible for three robberies victimizing Erian Enterprise in Angeles City last 1998, a warehouse of La Tondeña in Mapulang Lupa, Valenzuela City in September and a garment factory in Alabang, Muntinlupa City in December.

The four suspects, whom police suspect to be also involved in two kidnappings, are now detained at the Caloocan police detention center.