3 killed, 10 arrested in police operations against gang in Cebu

Police operations in Alcoy and Dalaguete towns in Cebu province over the weekend netted 10 suspected members of a criminal gang and left three other suspects dead.

Among the fatalities was one of the 10 most wanted in Cebu and leader of the Ganolon-Salonoy-Coronel Group, GMA Cebu's Bexmae Jumao-as reported Monday.



Killed in the raid last Saturday were Jojo Ganolon, Jelon Mercado and Lorenzo Coronel.

Among the 10 arrested were local councilors Timoteo Amaca, 35; and Michael Manriquez, 45.

Four suspects managed to flee.

The report said police served 11 search warrants for drugs and firearms and seized cal-.45 and 9-mm pistols, machine pistols, seven cal-.38 revolvers, two cal-.357 handguns, a cal-.380 revolver, two fragmentation grenades and ammunition.

Also found were marijuana, methamphetamine hydrochloride (shabu), and P15,000.

Central Visayas regional police head Chief Superintendent Tom Banas said the gang was linked to robbery cases, rape, cattle rustling, and extortion.

However, Ganolon's mother Rosalina insisted her son was a good man, and claimed they have no money for his burial because the police took their money.

"Hindi naming alam kung ano ang gagawin dahil kinuha nila pati pera ng anak ko sa baul," she said.

The police maintain that they followed the rules of engagement. — Joel Locsin/JDS, GMA News