RSOG nabs man selling stolen bancas, seized guns

By RPCRD, Police Regional Office 8
February 27, 2013

CAMP SEC. KANGLEON, Palo, Leyte – The Regional Special Operations Group (RSOG8) of the Police Regional Office 8 (PRO8) arrested a man for selling a stolen motorized banca and for resisting arrest by firing his gun to police authorities.

Eastern Visayas top police official Police Chief Superintendent Elmer Ragadio Soria identified the suspect as Vivencio Abasola alias Dagul, 31, married, fisherman, who was arrested in his hideout at Sitio Baras, Brgy. Cinco in Sierra Islands, a group of islands composed of 7 barangays, which is an hour motorboat ride northwest of Catbalogan City proper.

Soria informed that a flash alarm from San Isidro Municipal Police Station in Northern Samar was relayed to all police stations and operating units about a piracy incident wherein a motor boat with 5.5 horsepower Honda engine owned by one Barnesto Hermosa of Brgy Caglanipao Norte and 4 other motor engines were carted by the suspects.

On Friday morning, RSOG received intelligence information that a man was selling a motorized banca that fits the description of the stolen motorboat.

Upon confirming the veracity of the report, RSOG led by Police Inspector Constantino Jabonete, Jr. proceeded to the area for follow-up investigation and appropriate police operation.

Upon reaching the place, Abasola sensed the presence of the police team and opened fire to the approaching lawmen and ran towards his house where he was collared after a brief chase.

Recovered from Abasola was one caliber .38 revolver with two live bullets. Police also recovered in the suspect’s residence a homemade shotgun loaded with 2 live ammunitions and in the area 3 spent shells of .38 caliber.

RSOG also seized the motorized banca being offered for sale by the suspect and two other motorboats with Kembo 7.5 horsepower and Kama 10 horsepower, respectively and two other bancas without engines, believed to be part of the loot since suspect was not able to present documents of ownership on said boats.

Suspect was immediately brought to Catbalogan City Police Station for proper disposition as case for Illegal Possession of Firearms in relation to the Comelec gun ban and Direct Assault Agents of Person in Authority is being prepared for filing against him.