North Cotabato cops hunting down Maguindanao-based carnap gang

KIDAPAWAN CITY (Sept. 17) --Authorities in North Cotabato intensified their hunt of a carnapping group believed to be responsible for the series of motorcycle theft incidents in the area. Sr. Insp. Ramel Hojilla of the Cotabato Provincial Police Office (CPPO) said they have been closely monitoring the group whose hideout is located in Datu Piang, Maguindanao. The group, he said, is led by at least three men. One of the leaders was only identified as alias Mas.” At least eight members of the group were arrested recently. Hojilla identified the arrested suspects as Wilfredo Navales Remonde, Khalid Shariff Usman, Basir Kabunsuwan, Weng Afdal, Nunuki Luay, Abubakar Pandian, and Habel Cuta Luay. Suspects who are still at large were Roldan Arguis, Mike Valera, and members identified only in their aliases as Bashir,” Gaid,” and Haron.” The police the carnapping groups operating in North Cotabato, Maguindanao, and other parts of Central Mindanao were also engaged in drug trafficking. (NDBC)