Cops nab suspect in fashion jewelry robbery

CEBU, Philippines - Police finally arrested the man who robbed at least P200,000 worth of fashion jewelry on Junquera Extension, Barangay San Antonio last May 7.

Luis “Don-don” Miñoza, 22, was arrested through a hot pursuit operation at the vicinity of Barangay Kamagayan at past 3 p.m. Wednesday.

Chief Insp. Bonifacio Garciano, chief of the Theft and Robbery Section which conducted the arrest, said the suspect was on his way to engage in a “pot session” when they arrested him.

Miñoza, a resident of Jakosalem St., Barangay Kamagayan, robbed at gunpoint J & A Wholesale 4U and ordered Blessa Tingal, who was the only one manning the store, to place the items in his bag.

Co-owner and Tingal’s sister-in-law, Jujiza Tingal, said the suspect took P230,000 worth of silver items from her store.

Garciano said they were able to identify the suspect with the help of some concerned civilians who identified him through a cartographic sketch.

“Ingon sila si Don-don man gyud ni (referring to sketch). Naa sad siya’s gipangtagaan sa ubang alahas sa mga amigo niya, didto naka-confirm mi 100 percent na siya gyud ang suspek,” the TRS chief said.

TRS personnel, together with the suspect, and in coordination with Barangay San Nicolas captain George Rama, recovered some of the stolen items in Sitio Sangi of the same barangay.

The remaining items, which Tingal estimated to be P5,000 worth, were turned over by the wife of the alleged buyer, Robert Ramirez.

Garciano said the suspect sold a large part of the loot to Ramirez for P17,000. The suspect and his cohorts melted and sold the rest, Garciano added.

Miñoza, who was released from the city jail in November after five years of imprisonment for a robbery case, admitted to the crime. He said he spent the money on shabu and other vices and claimed to have been dope on drugs since he was 11.

The police are now hunting down Pedro Vergara and a certain Chad, whom Miñoza identified as his cohorts and who were also previously jailed for the same offense.

Police are now preparing the robbery case against the arrested suspect. (FREEMAN)