IT ONLY took five days for the Special Investigation Task Group "Mitchell" to bag Angeles City’s Public Enemy No. 1.
Armed and dangerous as described by authorities, Mark Dizon, alias Michael Mitchell, was indeed "loaded" with a .32 caliber pistol when he was caught by surprise by plainclothes cops.
Dizon, according to authorities, is dangerous as he carries P100,000 on his head, offered by different groups from the business community in Angeles City.
Dizon claimed nine lives. He killed two war veterans -- an American and a Briton -- and an Australian who held a Canadian passport.
All the foreigners were in their twilight years. The American was 70, while the other two were more than 60 years old. They did not deserve to die that way. The victims were here to enjoy life because they knew the Philippines -- specifically Angeles City -- is a haven for retirees and old-age pensioners abroad.
The foreigners were with their partners when they were shot dead. At least, they remained inseparable even in death.
Initially, local officials in Angeles City thought the discovery of two bodies at the Oasis Villa sometime on July 12 was just an ordinary robbery/break-in case. It was just like in any urban area, where such incidents are a part of daily life.
On July 16, two more bodies were discovered, this time at the Sta. Maria Village in Barangay Balibago. The victims have planned for a garden wedding, but Dizon literally "killed" the couple's dream wedding. It seemed through, that this couple’s killings also failed to draw the attention of the city government.
As a last ditch effort to get the attention of the media, the business community and the expats, Dizon took the lives of five persons simultaneously, killing them in gangland fashion.

“No mercy” was how the authorities tailing him described the suspect.

At least this time, Dizon succeeded in getting the attention not only of the local media but also the international press as well. In fact, during his arrest, several foreign correspondents were there, taking photos of him.
Dizon also succeeded in getting the attention of the expatriates, and most especially the local government officials of Angeles City.
Pero hindi nag-panic si Mayor Ed Pamintuan. Alam niya na hindi pababayaan ng mga kapulisan ang kaso; alam niya sa loob lamang ng isang linggo ay magkakaroon ng magandang resulta ang ginagawang paghahabol ng mga otoridad laban sa suspek.
Edong was right when he announced to reporters that Dizon will be bagged in a week's time. Tama nga, bago sumapit ang isang linggo nakuha ang suspek.  
Dizon fled as far as San Fernando City in La Union to avoid arrest. He knew he was being tailed and he knew he will be caught anytime that fateful Tuesday afternoon.
Dizon's father (whose name is withheld) negotiated for the surrender of his son. They were exchanging text messages prior to the son’s arrest.

At that time, Dizon was so desperate that he thought of joining the underground movement. He planned to hide in the mountains to escape prosecution of the crimes he committed. He does not want to surrender, just like his father wanted him to.
Dizon’s father was apparently instrumental for his arrest. No father would like to see his son bloodied and dying. No father would feel happy with the kind of situation Dizon was in.
If Dizon did not trust his father, then he could have remained free up to this moment.

deClassified Files is sure that Dizon’s parents, family and friends are the happiest people in Barangay Salapungan. At least, the mental anguish is over. They will never be worried about their son, because they now know that Dizon is in safe company with personnel of the Angeles City Police Office.
"Sons will hold your hand for a little while, but will hold your heart for a lifetime."

Thanks to Marielle Gaceta-Catbagan, my Facebook friend, for that nice quotation.

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Just like Senior Supt. Danilo Bautista and other officers and men of the ACPO, Chief Supt. Arturo Cacdac Jr., director of the Central Luzon Police, has heaved a sigh of relief with Dizon’s arrest.

   
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Send your comments and suggestions to deClassified Files through jessmalabanan@yahoo.com Extreme violent reactions are also welcome