CAMP BGEN OSCAR M FLORENDO – The implementation of search warrant ends up to the armed encounter in Vintar, Ilocos Norte yesterday at around 5:30 in the morning, August 19, 2018.
PCInsp Marlon S. Padamada, Chief of Police, Vintar MPS stated that the PNP personnel implemented a Warrant of Arrest by Hon. Nida B. Alejandro of RTC Branch 12, Laoag City against Helgie Gamiao Mabanag for the crime of murder.
Accordingly, when the arresting officers introduced themselves as members of the Philippine National Police, Mabanag immediately fired against them prompting the latter to retaliate.
Mabanag sustained a gunshot wound and was brought in Governor Roque B Ablan Sr Memorial Hospital, Laoag City but was declared dead on arrival by the attending Physician Dr. Frankie Albano.
Provincial Crime Laboratory Office processed the crime scene and recovered the following items: eight (8) pcs fired cartridge case; one (1) pc fired bullet; four (4) deformed fired bullet; two (2) heat sealed plastic sachets containing suspected marijuana; one (1) piece firearm of Cal.45 with inserted magazine containing four (4) live ammunition and one (1) chamber cartridge load; and one (1) lead core with metal fragments.
Further, another two (2) small heat sealed transparent plastic sachet containing crystalline substance suspected to be “shabu” was recovered by the Duty Nurse inside the pocket of the Mabanag while at the Emergency Room of the hospital.
PNP Chief Superintendent Romulo E. Sapitula, PRO1 Regional Director ordered the Chief, Provincial Crime Laboratory Office to conduct ballistics examination and cross matching of the firearm used for possible linkages to other firearms related crimes in the region.
The recovered pieces of evidence were placed under the custody of the SOCO Team for proper disposition.
PRO1 Release