Gun-for-hire member nabbed in Antique

BY BOY RYAN B. ZABAL

After three years of hiding, an alleged gun-for-hire member and ranked No. 1 most wanted person in Makato, Aklan was arrested in the province of Antique on June 6. 

Operatives nabbed 29-year old Redentor Tumulog in Sitio Igyoyo in Barangay San Francisco Sur, Tibiao, Antique at around 5:15 p.m.

Tumulog, resident of Barangay Salazar in Tibiao, Antique, was tagged in the killing of Michael Serrano along with six companions on October 30, 2013. Serrano, 31, was driving his motorcycle when he was shot to death in Barangay Tina in Makato, Aklan by the suspects. 

On September 10, 2014, Judge Nestor Bartolome of Branch 8 of the Regional Trial Court in Kalibo, Aklan ordered the arrest of Tumolog and six other suspects under Criminal Case No. 11833 for Serrano’s murder.

No bail was recommended for the suspects. 

Last September 2014, operatives collared Joven Toisa in Barangay Tagas, Tangalan, Aklan while Alvin Bernesto was also nabbed in Kalibo, Aklan. Three months after, Romnick Piano and his brother Rey, residents of Agbalogo in Makato, were arrested in Barangay Dumga in Makato.

At large were Edward Macawili, Jr. from Barangay Agbalogo in Makato and Roger Mabalo from Barangay Castillo in Makato of the gun-for-hire group “Bernesto Gang”.

Aside from Tumulog, a kagawad of Barangay Bandoja in Tibiao, Antique was also arrested for ‘harboring’ a wanted person when he tried to warn Tumulog of the approaching operatives. 

While riding his motorcycle, the 59-year old Jesus Mariano was intercepted by joint elements of Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG)-Aklan, Aklan Provincial Police Office (APPO) Provincial Intelligence Branch and Trackers Team and Tibiao municipal police station. 

Police recovered a caliber .38 revolver loaded with six live ammunitions from Mariano.

Chief Inspector Raul Bolido, chief of CIDG-Aklan, said Tumulog was working as a private guard prior to his arrest. 

The article was originally published by independent online blog Aklan Forum Journal. The unrestricted use in print or radio, publication and distribution of articles are allowed provided the original author and Aklan Forum Journal are credited.