BY DOMINIQUE GABRIEL BAÑAGA
BACOLOD City – The Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office (NOCPPO) is urging members of the so-called “Epogon crime group” to surrender as early as possible.
Last week, two alleged Epogon group members were killed in Bacolod City and Silay City, Negros Occidental.
Police Lieutenant Abegael Donasco, NOCPPO spokesperson, said the group’s alleged leader, Francisco Epogon, had since been arrested.
Earlier, four other suspected members were killed by unidentified gunmen.
Donasco said this Epogon group may have clashed against another crime group, or there could be a conflict within their organization.
The group being connected to illegal drugs was also seen as one of the reasons behind the murders, she added.
The NOCPPO also assured safety of those who will surrender.
“They may do it anonymously by just proceeding to their nearest police station,” Donasco said.
The spokesperson also made a similar plea to other criminal and drug groups.
They are being closely monitored and aggressively targeted, added Donasco.
On March 18, the 55-year-old Jose Estaniel, an alleged “Epogon crime group” member, was killed in Barangay Handumanan, Bacolod City while celebrating his birthday.
The following day, alleged member Arnold Rivera was also shot dead in Silay City’s Barangay E. Lopez.
Last month, another suspected member in Eddie Epogon was killed after he opened fire at police officers in Sipalay City, Negros Occidental.
The “Epogon crime group” is also believed to be responsible for several high-profile robbery cases in Bacolod City./PN
