By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

An alleged member of the notorious Epogon robbery/hold-up group was killed following a shootout with police who were attempting to serve his arrest warrant at Sitio Manluy-an in Sipalay City’s Barangay San Jose, early Saturday morning.

Police identified the fatality as 25-year-old Eddie Epogon, a resident of the said place.

Police Major Anthony Benitez, leader of the Regional Special Operation Group 6, said they were attempting to serve Epogon’s arrest warrant for illegal possession of firearms and explosives which was issued by Judge Edwin Gomez of the 6th Judicial Region – Branch 77 in Sipalay City dated October 23, 2020.

Epogon also has a separate warrant issued by Judge Sue Lynn Lowie-Jolingan of the Bacolod City Regional Trial Court – Branch 53 dated November 27, 2020.

Benitez said as they were approaching to make the arrest, Epogon allegedly fired several shots at the cops, prompting them to return fire which resulted in his instantaneous death.

The Epogon robbery/hold-up group is responsible for several high-profile crimes in the southern part of Negros Occidental and in Bacolod City, police said.

Back in February 29, 2020, the group was accused of being responsible for the robbery and murder of Belgian-national Carl Nolens in Bacolod City’s Villa Angela Subdivision in Barangay Villamonte.

Police added that the group was also responsible for ransacking the home of Dr. Carlitos Orola, brother of City Councilor Bart Orola, in Barangay Tangub on February 19 of the same year, carting away P1.4 million in jewelries, gadgets, and other valuables./DGB, WDJ