LBC robbery suspect to undergo drug test

CEBU - The arrested suspect in the robbery of an LBC branch in barangay Banilad last Thursday will be subjected to a drug test to find out whether he is using illegal drugs.

Cebu City Police Office Director Patrocinio Comendador said subjecting Rico Bontuyan, who was arrested Sunday evening, to a drug test is not a violation of the law.

The law provides that those found positive of illegal drugs can be charged before the court.

Bontuyan, 30, is also facing a drug-related case which, according to him, is only for possession of drug paraphernalia. The case is still pending before the Cebu City Prosecutor’s Office.

Elements of CCPO Theft and Robbery Section under Senior Inspector Michael Anthony Bastes have already filed charges for robbery against Bontuyan and three other unidentified persons.

Although Bontuyan strongly denied any involvement in the LBC heist saying he was in sitio Dita, Pulangbato during the time it occurred Thursday noon, two employees of LBC have positively identified him as one of the robbers.

“Giila g’yud siya sa mga empleyado nga mao kadtong tawo nga maoy nanguha sa kwarta,” said Bastes.

Witnesses said the robbers pulled off the heist in less than five minutes, quickly taking away about P80,000 in cash and three cellular phones from the two female employees and a female client.

LBC employees Giecin Mae Obsioma and Mary Caryn Nasataya, and client Candida Mondoñedo claimed that the robbers threatened to shoot them if they would show any resistance. – Rene Borromeo/LPM (THE FREEMAN)