• THERESA MAE DULMAN
The Bacolod police arrested four individuals, believed to be members of a gun-for-hire syndicate, following a series of hot-pursuit operations conducted across the city.
The arrests were made in connection to the April 2 shooting of Romelyn Quiatchon in Barangay Banago.
The joint operation was carried out by the Bacolod City Police Office (BCPO), involving the City Intelligence Unit, alongside personnel from Police Stations 3 and 6.
The suspects were identified by authorities as ‘Anthony,’ 42; ‘Erwin,’ 39; ‘Noel,’ 54; and ‘Jovito,’ 39.
A background investigation revealed that the men have previous records for violations of the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act and other crimes.
Police reports indicate that the group’s activities involve a combination of hired killings and illegal drug operations.
During the apprehension, operatives recovered two short-caliber pistols with ammunition, which investigators believe were used in the recent shooting, along with a quantity of illegal drugs.
The recovered firearms have been scheduled for ballistic examinations to determine if they are linked to other unsolved cases.
The suspects remain in custody as the BCPO prepares to file the necessary charges.*
