Detained robbery suspect "notorious" in Bohol

CEBU, Philippines – One of the two men hurt and arrested in the failed robbery of a lending firm Monday night is one of Bohol's most wanted and is a robbery group leader who was already jailed for robbery in Bohol.

Theft and Robbery section, Sr. Chief Insp. Bonifacio Garciano said that Alberto Aniedez Torregosa from Magtangtang, Danao, Bohol is a member of the Meloy Garcia-robbery group that was behind robberies in Cebu City and Bohol.

A reward of P50,000 has been put up for Torregosa's arrest, Garciano learned from their counterparts in Danao, Bohol.

Torregosa was captured after off-duty policeman PO3 Osorio Ramiso Jr. shot him and his companion after they robbed a lending firm at Uytengsu St. in Barangay Sambag 1.

Torregosa is still recuperating at the Cebu City Medical Center (CCMC) with his companion in the heist, Shyrell Ostia, who was also shot. The two are suffering from gunshot wounds to their chests.

The police are closely guarding the two at the hospital.

Charges for robbery and illegal possession of firearms and ammunitions were filed against the two yesterday afternoon. They are also facing a case for serious physical injuries after a resident of the area, Clyde Guerreo, was also hit by a bullet during the shootout.

A third suspect, Joel Torregosa Nuez, was also included in the charges filed. Reportedly a relative of Meloy Garcia, he supposedly served as a lookout.

The police recovered the P113, 100 from them as well as the wristwatches and other items they took from the Pulis-Kapit Bisig lending firm. - Rey B. Pasaporte of Banat News/Aldwin Gevera, USJR Intern/JPM (FREEMAN)