Armed men, lawyer arrested in Abra

BAGUIO CITY — Police and military personnel arrested 13 people — including a lawyer — last Saturday afternoon along a provincial road in Barangay Laskig, Pidigan, Abra, after responding to a report of a commotion.

The Police Regional Office (PRO) Cordillera identified 10 of the suspects as Sanie Bueno Bisares, Lander Modrigo Brazil, Christian Bisares Bueno, Jerson Garcia Cabanero, Aries Buado Bueno, John Rusty Viado Bugay, Federico Orile Padagas, John Kenn Lledo Bernard; Noby Alpharo Valdemor and Reagan Aguilar Macaranas.

All are residents of Abra and Zamboanga City. The names of the other three arrested individuals, including the lawyer, were not immediately released.

According to the police report, personnel from the Pidigan Municipal Police, PNP Special Action Force, 2nd Regional Mobile Force Battalion and the Philippine Army Special Forces were dispatched to the reported commotion. Upon arrival, they intercepted two black vehicles.

A subsequent check of the vehicles led to the discovery of several long firearms inside each, prompting the immediate arrest of the occupants.

Authorities confiscated four M16A1 .5.56 caliber rifles, one Bosch Master .5.56 caliber rifle, eight long and short magazines for .5.56 caliber rifles loaded with 224 live rounds, five .45 caliber pistols, seven .45 caliber magazines loaded with 48 live rounds, and 12 live 9mm rounds.