Cops bust Agusan crime group syndicate

Police have busted a criminal syndicate operating in Agusan del Sur following the arrest of its leaders and three members in separate raids in San Luis and Talacogon towns.

Chief Supt. Victor Deona, director of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG), said the group of Patrick Ballesteros was responsible for the series of robbery and gun-for-hire activities in Agusan del Sur and nearby provinces.

"He (Ballesteros) is the recognized leader. He was the first to fall in the operation," said Deona.

Aside from Ballesteros, likewise arrested were Conrado Sanchez Sr., Ricardo Sanchez and Conrado Pantonial, Jr.

Deona said the group of Ballesteros is notorious in the province and is on the intelligence list of criminals operating in the province.

The CIDG has been focusing in organized criminal syndicates especially those involved in gun-running and gun-for-hire activities.

In most cases, CIDG officials said they are the ones being tapped as private armies of local politicians.

The PNP is now preparing for the 2016 elections.