Leader of criminal group in Bicol killed
LEGAZPI CITY: The leader of a notorious criminal group operating in Bicol Region was killed in a shootout with the elements of the Philippine National Police (PNP) trying to serve a warrant of arrest on Wednesday, January 24, in Parañaque City.
The leader, identified as Gilbert Concepcion of the notorious Concepcion gang, had been the most wanted person in the region for 20 years.
Bicol Police regional director BGen. Andre Dizon said a composite team from PNP-Bicol and National Capital Region, including NICA Bicol and Tactical Operations Group 5 (TOG5) of the Philippine Air Force, tried to serve the warrant of arrest on the suspect in an operation in Barangay San Martin de Porres, Parañaque City at around 6 p.m.
The suspect tried to evade the arresting team, resulting in an exchange of gunfire. The operatives cornered Concepcion and his comrade while attempting to escape.
Concepcion sustained gunshot wounds during the encounter, according to LtCol. Maria Luisa Calubaquib, PNP Bicol regional spokesman.
Recovered from the crime scene were three firearms, 10 magazines and five fired cartridge cases.
No casualties on the government side were reported.
Calubaquib said that Concepcion was listed in the Department of the Interior and Local Government’s most wanted person with a P420,000 bounty for his capture. The PNP-Bicol had put up P12 million on his head.
The suspect, a former communist rebel who was once a government asset, organized the Concepcion criminal group in 2010.
Subsequently, he became a soldier who went AWOL, leading to his dismissal from the service.
Following his dismissal from military service, the police said that Concepcion organized a group involved in activities such a robbery and extortion, gun for hire, gun running, and political armed group (PAGS) employed by local politicians.
Calubaquib said that Concepcion had masterminded extortion activities in Albay.
“As Bicol’s most wanted for heinous crimes, including multiple murders, his reign of terror has concluded. Given his extensive criminal involvement, a reward has been offered for his arrest,” she said.
Prior to his death, Concepcion had standing warrant of arrest for the following crimes: two counts of kidnapping with murder docketed under criminal case 10035-10036 dated Jan. 18, 2024; kidnapping and serious illegal detention (RPC Article 267 as amended by RA 18 and 1084) docketed under criminal cases 9766, 9767, 9768 dated June 6, 2022; murder under criminal case 6296 dated Jan. 31, 2012; direct assault under criminal case 10555-1 dated May 25, 2016; rape under criminal case 6958 dated Nov. 4, 2013; and direct assault under criminal case 10108-L issued dated July 8, 2013.
Dizon, a native of Sorsogon and newly installed Bicol police director, underscored the operation as a testament of the unit’s unwavering commitment to ensure the safety and security of the community.
“We remain steadfast in the campaign against lawlessness and criminality,” said Dizon. “We assure you that we will not rest until our region is free from the grip of those who threaten our peace and security.”
Dizon at the same time commended the PNP personnel involved in the operation for their “exceptional courage and dedication.”
“We also recognize the invaluable support and cooperation of the people of our community.
Your trust and your willingness to work hand in hand with us have been instrumental in our success. This achievement is a testament of unity and shared responsibility in ensuring the safety and security of our region,” Dizon said.
Even though the leader of the Concepcion gang had fallen, Dizon appealed to the Bicolanos to remain vigilant and proactive in reporting suspicious activities and individuals.
“Your continued support and cooperation are crucial as we strive to build a region where our families can thrive, and our communities can prosper. Together, we have achieved a significant victory in our fight against crime.
Let us build upon this success and continue our collective efforts in creating a Bicol Region that is free from the clutches of criminality and a safe haven for all,” he said.
Few years ago, the brother of the slain gang leader identified as Emmanuel was also killed in a clash with police operatives in Barangay Biclatan, General Trias City in Cavite. Emmanuel was said to be the leader of another Concepcion group operating in Albay.
The Concepcion brothers were tagged as among the ranking wanted persons in Bicol and are facing multiple criminal complaints for murder, rape, direct assault, and illegal possession of firearms, the police said.