DOTC-PCG: Joint elements of the Philippine Coast Guard, PNP Matnog and Philippine Army have apprehended four suspected members of acetylene gang in Port of Matnog last Tuesday, February 11.

An intelligence report received by the Coast Guard revealed that a group of suspected members of acetylene gang were onboard a ferry boat at the vicinity of Matnog Port.

Immediately, Coast Guard Sub-station (CGSS) Matnog with Coast Guard Special Operation Unit and Coast Guard K9 personnel coordinated with PNP Matnog and 31st Infantry Brigade of the Philippine Army for a possible interception and apprehension of subject persons.
Around 2:45 AM of said date, the team sighted the reported marked vehicle Isuzu Trooper with plate number WJW 253, at Matnog Port. Upon confirmation, the group conducted an ocular inspection at the said vehicle and asked some questions to the two persons onboard.

They revealed that three of their companions are still at the Port of Matnog. Authorities also found one hand grenade, one smoke grenade, money in several denominations and other personal belongings inside subject vehicle.

The team searched the area for the other three suspects and found them trying to escape. One jumped into the sea while the other two were apprehended onboard RoRo vessel MV Grand Star prior to the vessel’s departure. The following were the apprehended persons:

NAME AGE ADDRESS
Ryan Dabodah Tandagan 25 Bab-asig, Patiacan, Ilocos Sur
Rex Alvarez Bucalan 22 Quezon Hill, Upper Bagiuo City
Jhon Gayod Y Gayon 46 Trinidad, Bagiuo City
James Aquinian Bansol 34 Brgy Bagumbayan, Tuao, Cagayan Valley

Said suspects and vehicle are presently under the custody of Matnog PNP and CIDG.