CONFISCATED. The firearm and ammunition seized from the arrested leader of the notorious Magpali Gun for Hire Criminal Group on Sunday (Aug. 7. 2022). Lt. Col. Wilson M. Magpali, a dismissed cop, operated mostly in the provinces of La Union and Pangasinan, targeting high-profile politicians. (Photo courtesy of PNP-PIO)
MANILA – A former police officer-turned-leader of the notorious Magpali Gun for Hire Criminal Group operating in Region 1 (Ilocos Region) has fallen into the hands of authorities, Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Rodolfo Azurin Jr. confirmed on Sunday.
Lt. Col. Wilson M. Magpali, a dismissed cop, operated mostly in the provinces of La Union and Pangasinan, targeting high-profile politicians.
In a statement, Azurin said Magpali was arrested earlier Sunday by operatives of the Luzon Field Unit of the PNP-Integrity Monitoring and Enforcement Group (IMEG) in Barangay Legaspi, Tayug, Pangasinan by virtue of a warrant of arrest for murder issued by Presiding Judge Nyerson Dexter Tito Quilala Tualla of the Regional Trial Court, First Judicial Region, Branch 28 in San Fernando City, La Union.
No bail was recommended for the suspect's temporary liberty.
Recovered from Magpali were a 9mm Berreta pistol with serial number M14880Z and PNP property markings, as well as three magazines with ammunition.
“This is yet another significant development in the PNP’s massive tracker operations against fugitive criminals. As we are making great strides in weeding out police 'scalawags' in the organization, let us remain steadfast in hunting down notorious criminals with outstanding warrants as we boost the government’s campaign for criminal justice," Azurin said.
The suspect is presently in the custody of the PNP-IMEG Luzon Field Unit for documentation prior to presentation and return of the warrant of arrest from the court of origin. (PNA)
