"Notorious robber" falls in Mindanao

CEBU, Philippines - Police in Villanueva, Misamis Oriental arrested alleged notorious robber Ariel Mosqueda Degamo in a shootout that killed his companion while the two were robbing a pawnshop last February 11.

Degamo, alias “Bobong”, “Double B”, “General” and Doroteo S. Imperial,” is facing several cases here in Cebu, said Sr. Insp. Michael Anthony Bastes, chief of the Theft and Robbery Section of the Cebu City Police Office.

“Nikontak nako si Sr. Insp. Carlos Alvarez, ang akong klasmeyt nga na-assign sa Misamis, kay nakahinumdum siya ni Doroteo Imperial nga maoy wanted sa nagkalain-laing kaso diri sa Cebu ug na-positive na tungod sa tattoo nga naa sa walang dughan,” Bastes said.

Bastes said Degamo and his companion, Angel Anomar, allegedly fired first at the policemen who responded to the robbery at RD Pawnshop last February 11. The policemen then fired back, hitting Anomar who died on the spot.

Degamo attempted to escape with a motorcycle but the vehicle went off balance and fell.

The police officers recovered two .45 caliber pistols, high powered guns, and the P15,000 proceeds of the pawnshop from the suspects.

Bastes said Degamo’s arrest would re-open the robbery cases filed against him in Cebu City, Talisay City, and some other areas. Degamo is facing seven warrants of arrest in Cebu City alone.

Degamo was believed to be among those that robbed A1 Financial, East West Bank, Anchor Bank, Asian Spirit, and an Indian national in Talisay City.

Bastes said they also received reports that Degamo is an alleged gun-for-hire, drug ringer, gun runner, and a member of the notorious “Ildefonso Caralde Group” whose members Degamo himself allegedly killed. - Christopher Gabriel Bonjoc/JMO   (THE FREEMAN)