BUTUAN CITY, July 29 -- Philippine National Police (PNP) chief General Archie Francisco F. Gamboa commended the troops of Police Regional Office (PRO) 13 following the arrest of KAPA-Community Ministry International founder and president Joel A. Apolinario along with 25 others in the hinterland of Lingig town, Surigao del Sur on July 21.
During the recent virtual press conference, General Gamboa lauded the joint operation of the PRO13 Regional Special Operation Group, National Intelligence Coordinating Agency 10, 1st Special Action Battalion of the PNP Special Action Force, Regional Mobile Force Battalion 13, Surigao del Sur Provincial Mobile Force Company, Lingig Municipal Police Station, 67th Infantry Battalion of the Philippine Army, and Philippine Coast Guard in Barangay Salvacion.
The operation was based on the strength of search warrant for violations of Republic Act (R.A.) No. 10591 or the Comprehensive Law on Firearms and Ammunition and R.A. No. 9516 or Illegal Possession of Explosive issued by Atty. Catalina Shineta M. Tare-Palacio, presiding judge of the Regional Trial Court (RTC), 11th Judicial Region, Branch 41 in Cantilan, Surigao del Sur.
The operatives also executed the warrant of arrest issued by Atty. Gil G. Bollozos, presiding judge, 10th Judicial Region, RTC, Branch 21, Cagayan de Oro City against Apolinario for syndicated estafa.
“A gunfight ensued when the operating troops were fired upon by the members of Apolinario’s armed men. Two of his men, namely Allan Binongo and Denize Dialoding died while Melecio Siano was seriously wounded,” PNP Caraga regional director Brigadier General Joselito T. Esquivel, Jr said.
Authorities confiscated several high powered firearms. These include the 30 units of M16 rifle; two units of M4 rifles; one garand rifle; four 7.62mm, M60 light machineguns; one caliber 50 sniper rifle; three caliber 22 rifles; one carbine; one shotgun; two RPG rifles; five caliber 45 pistols; two rocket propelled grenade; and several rounds of live ammunition of different caliber.
The suspects will also be charged for violations of the R.A. No. 10591 (Comprehensive Law on Firearms and Ammunition), R.A. No. 9516 (Illegal Possession of Explosive), Article 148 of the Revised Penal Code (Direct Assault), and Article 147 of the RPC (Illegal Association).
According to BGen. Esquivel, the intelligence monitoring team had started to track down the whereabouts of the subject since January of this year upon receipt of a report that he bought a private resort in an isolated place in Lingig town.
“We believe that justice will soon be served to the victims of the KAPA. This operation shall serve as stern warning to all not to organize, entice or involve in Ponzi scheme. We will ensure the full swing of operations to stop similar Ponzi schemes and other pyramiding investment propositions that may proliferate in the region,” said BGen. Esquivel.
In his statement during the press briefing, Gen. Gamboa said that operating troops involved in the said police operation will be given appropriate awards and recognition, meritorious promotion and monetary reward for their significant accomplishment.
Meanwhile, BGen. Jimili L Macaraeg, deputy regional director for administration and chairman of the PRO13 Promotion Board also supported the statement of the PNP chief and stated that processing of the needed documentary requirements for the said promotion will commence immediately. (PMaj. Renel E. Serrano, PIO, PRO13/VLG/PIA-Caraga)
Source: Philippines Information Agency (pia.gov.ph)
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