Get Magpali, Rody orders PNP
La Union Rep. Sandra Eriguel has disclosed an alleged assassination plot against her and two mayors in the province
President Rodrigo Duterte has ordered the Philippine National Police (PNP) to get dismissed police colonel Wilson Magpali, the alleged head of the gang bearing his name — the Magpali gun-for-hire group.
Undersecretary Ricojudge Janvier Echiverri of the
Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) confirmed on Saturday that the President issued the marching order to dismantle the gang said to be composed of rogue soldiers and policemen.
“Yes, we confirm that. (DILG) Secretary Eduardo Año is aware of it. He has given the same instructions to the PNP to act,” Echiverri said, adding that the order was to go wherever the gang may be hiding.
President Duterte earlier told the Ilocos police force region to “get the head” of the Magpali gang reportedly hired by some politicians to harass or liquidate political rivals ahead of the 2022 elections.
The order was in response to the appeal of La Union Rep. Sandra Eriguel who disclosed an alleged assassination plot against her and two mayors in the province.
The gun-for-hire group could be used by some power-hungry traditional politicians who do not hesitate to hire police and military scalawags in their bid to control power.
Magpali’s gang has been tagged in numerous killings in La Union. It has reportedly taken advance payments to assassinate Eriquel and two town executives.
An anti-crime group, the Crusaders for Peace, said bringing the gang members behind bars is critical to stemming the tide of political killings in La Union dating back to 2018.
Some members of the gang were arrested on 23 June and they squealed about the plot against the lawmaker and two mayors.
Magpali himself is facing estafa charges.
Eriguel is the widow of former Rep. Franny Eriguel who was slain in 2018. The two other targets are also allied with the Eriguels, according to the intelligence report.
“The gun-for-hire group could be used by some power-hungry traditional politicians who do not hesitate to hire police and military scalawags in their bid to control power,” Crusaders for Peace said.