‘Concepcion Gang’ member killed in Bicol shootout
POLICE Regional Office (PRO) 5 director, Brigadier General Jonnel C. Estomo on Friday announced the killing of a member of the notorious Concepcion Criminal Gang operating in Bicol region following a shootout with officers in Bato, Camarines Sur on Thursday.
In a report to Philippine National Police chief, General Dionardo B. Carlos, the PRO5 director identified the slain suspect as Melencio Lascano, described as a “hardcore member” of the Concepcion Gang who has gained notoriety for its involvement in gun-for-hire, robbery-holdup, motor vehicle and motorcycle theft and extortion activities in Bicol.
Estomo said that around 1:10 a.m. Thursday, members of the PRO5 Regional Intelligence Division and Regional Special Operations Group and the Camarines Sur police led by Major Ramon Czar Solas and Lieutenant Colonel Wilfredo Sy tracked down the suspect in his hiding place in Zone 5, Bgy. Buluang in Bato municipality.
The PRO5 director said the officers were about to serve a search warrant for violation of Republic Act 10591 or the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulations Act of 2013 issued against the suspect by Judge Maria Clarissa Pacis-Trinidad of the Iriga City Regional Trial Court Branch 36 when the latter resisted and opened fire at the lawmen.
Officers retaliated killing the suspect on the spot, he said.
Estomo described the slain suspect as a “collector” of the Concepcion Gang. Last July 17, the suspect was among the members of the armed group who exchanged fire with policemen in Bgy. Libtong in Libon, Albay.
One member of the gang identified as Ernanny Concepcion was killed during the gunbattle although Lascano managed to escape.
The PRO5 director said he has ordered a massive operation to neutralize the remaining members of the Concepcion Criminal Gang led by ex-soldier Gilbert Concepcion.
“We are hot on the heels of the remaining members of this particular gang who are also known for operating in Calabarzon region and Metro Manila,” Estomo said.
Recovered from the possession of the slain suspect were one caliber 9mm sub-machine gun, a cal. .38 revolver and several live ammunition and spent cartridges.
