PNP nabs 3 suspects involved in EJKs

The Philippine National Police (PNP) has arrested three suspects who are members of a vigilante group allegedly involved in various cases of extra-judicial killings (EJKs). (Photo: Philippine National Police/Facebook)

MANILA—The Philippine National Police (PNP) has arrested three suspects who are members of a vigilante group allegedly involved in various cases of extra-judicial killings (EJKs).

They were identified as Manuel Murillo alias Joel; Marco Morallos alias Naldo; and Alfredo Alejan alias Jun, that were tagged in the killing of Charlie Saladaga, 16, who was found floating in the waters off Isla Puting Bato, Tondo, Manila on Jan. 2, 2017.

The three belong to a 10-member civilian volunteer organization of their barangay but were allegedly acting as executioners of suspected drug addicts or criminals.

PNP chief Director General Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa, in a press conference in Camp Crame, Quezon City on Thursday, said there are three more killing incidents or EJKs being linked to the suspects.

”Ang grupo nila ay umabot na sa 200. Imagine, ang 200 na ‘yun, involved in criminal activities,” he said.

Dela Rosa said the suspects are involved in the “death under investigation” (DUI) of a 16-year-old, adding that they are also implicated in three other DUIs.

”Itong pagkakaaresto nitong mga suspek ang magpapatunay na mayroon talagang mga nakisabay o nakisakay sa war on drugs ng PNP na pumapatay ng mga drug suspects,” he said.

The PNP chief, together with National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) chief Director Oscar Albayalde and Manila Police District (MPD) director Chief Supt. Jose Napoleon Coronel, presented the three suspects to the media during the press conference.

”These suspects are members of the Confederate Sentinel Group (CSG), a civilian volunteer organization,” Dela Rosa said.

He noted that the CSG is being accused of theft, extortion and four vigilante killings.

”These suspects allegedly claimed to be working with the PNP on the war on drugs when they nabbed the teenager,” he added.

”These suspects are part of a gun-for-hire operation hiding behind a civilian volunteer organization,” Dela Rosa said.

The PNP chief added that the suspects were arrested yesterday (Wednesday) and based on tactical interrogation, they are targeting suspects from rival groups.