Village chief arrested in Pangasinan

A FIFTY-YEAR OLD village chief in Ilocos Sur, allegedly involve in gun-running and the illegal drugs trade, was arrested by operatives of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) during an operation on Friday in Alaminos City, Pangasinan, a police official said on Saturday.

CIDG Director, Chief Supt. Victor Deona, quoting reports from the field identified Leandro Laya, the chairman of Barangay Cayucay in Alaminos City in Pangasinan.

Deona said that Laya was arrested in a joint operation of the Anti- Loose Firearm Team of CIDG Region 1, Pangasinan Provincial Safety Company, Alaminos City Police Office and 102nd Maritime Police Station.

The CIDG Director said the operation was covered by a search warrant issued by Judge Ma. Ellen Aguilar of the Regional Trial Court Branch 70 in Burgos, Pangasinan.

Deona said the operatives seized from Laya’s possession were a .45 caliber pistol, an improvised shotgun and ammunition for firearms and two sachets of suspected shabu of still un- known amount.

Quoting reports by Supt. Angeles Genorga, the head of CIDG unit in Ilocos region, Deona said that Laya is allegedly involved in gun-running and illegal drug trafficking activities in the 1st District of Pangasinan.

Deona added that a case for violation of Republic Act 10591 ( Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act) and RA 9165 otherwise known as the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002 are being readied for filing against Laya.