QC cops nab 2 men linked to Batangas robbery gang
QUEZON City policemen has arrested two suspects, allegedly associated with the Fajardo Robbery Group in Batangas.
The arrested suspects were identified by PLt.Col. Jerry Castillo, Station Commander of Batasan Police Station (PS 6), as Zoren Almazan, a resident of Marikina City who has served as the driver-bodyguard of Paul Fajardo, one of the leaders of the Fajardo Robbery Group in Batangas since 2013, and Herbert Gagalang, a resident of San Jose Del Monte, Bulacan, who had been implicated in carnapping incidents in 2016 and was apprehended in 2020 for the illegal drug trade.
Both suspects are under the custody of the QCPD due to their alleged involvement in illegal drug activities and possession of illegal firearms within Quezon City’s jurisdiction.
According to the report, PS 6 conducted a buy-bust operation in response to a tip-off from a concerned citizen regarding the illegal drug activities of the suspects at 9:50 p.m. on January 31, 2024, in front of Shakatak Motorshop, IBP Road, Brgy. Batasan Hills, Quezon City.
A police officer acted as a poseur buyer and bought P8,500.00 worth of shabu from Almazan. The suspects were arrested at the given pre-arranged signal.
Seized from the suspects were 10 grams of shabu worth P68,000, cellular phone, brown coin purse, two helmets, and the buy-bust money.
Almazan was found in possession of a cal. 9mm Beretta with six live ammunition.
Meanwhile, an extensive investigation revealed that Almazan was not only implicated in the illegal drug trade but was also connected to a series of robbery incidents and gun-for-hire activities. He has a pending warrant of arrest for robbery (violation of Article 294 of the Revised Penal Code-not bailable) issued by the Regional Trial Court Brach 193 of Marikina City. Additionally, he has been identified as the top 5 drug personality and the most wanted person of the Marikina City Police Station. Further verification through CIRAS and E-Warrant systems showed Almazan was an alleged suspect involved in a consummated robbery and murder that occurred in Laguna and Cabuyao in 2013, as well as incidents of consummated robbery with homicide in November 2014 and Consummated Grave Coercions in January 2022.
A continuous follow-up operation is underway to locate and apprehend other cohorts associated with Almazan.
The suspects were charged with violation of R.A. 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002. An additional charge for violation of R.A. 10591, or the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act, was also filed against Almazan before the Quezon City Prosecutor’s Office.
