1 vehicle used in separate crimes

CEBU, Philippines - Two suspects on board a car reportedly used by a man who “robbed” a gasoline station earlier this month robbed a man and attempted to rob a woman past midnight yesterday along Gov. Cuenco Avenue in barangay Banilad.

The still unidentified robbers drove a white Hi-Ace Grandia van with plate number YFE-678. The same vehicle with the same plate number was reportedly used by a man last October 19 who had the vehicle refueled at a gasoline station but immediately sped off afterwards.

Around 12:30 am yesterday, the two men on board the van stopped right beside Benjie Conchas, 20, who was walking along Gov. Cuenco Avenue near the office of the National Food Authority. The suspects then pointed a gun at Conchas who did not have any choice but hand over his P1000 cash.

Conchas then went to the Mabolo Police Station to report the incident.

Minutes later, the same suspects on board the same vehicle also attempted to pull the same tactic on Christ Cille Gegremosa, 29, but the latter risked to run and later reported the incident to the police station.

A security guard at a nearby gasoline station was able to take note of the features of the van, as well as its plate number.

In the October 19 incident at a gasoline station along S. Osmeña Street, the suspect allegedly refused to pay for the gasoline worth P4,650 by pointing a gun at the gasoline station attendant before speeding away.

Sr. Insp. David Señor, chief of Mabolo Police Station, said they are now awaiting feedback from the Land Transportation Office-7 as regards the ownership of the vehicle.

The Waterfront Police Station, who has sought assistance from LTO-7 following the gasoline robbery incident, still has not identified the suspect.

Señor said it is possible that the suspects used fake plate numbers so that the vehicle would not be easily identified.

He said they will coordinate with the City Investigation and Detective Management Branch so that a cartographic sketch on the suspects can be made. — Niña G. Sumacot/JMO   (FREEMAN NEWS)