Robbery suspects arrested in Naga

CEBU, Philippines - Three men responsible for a series of robbery cases in Northwestern towns in Cebu were arrested in Barangay Pangdan, Naga last Thursday afternoon.

Rommel Guimiala Adaro, 21, of New Libangan Polanca, Zamboanga del Norte; Jordan Katamisan Bariuit, 21, of Pangdan, Naga City; and Jomar Conde Placencia, 21, of Daanbantayan town were sleeping at their hideout when members of the Toledo Police arrived.

A model 1911 Remington caliber .45 pistol with five bullets; a model 1911 Colt .45 pistol with six bullets; a 357 Smith & Wesson with four bullets; a 357 Sturm Ruger revolver with four bullets; and a red Honda XRM with no plate number were seized from the suspects. The motorcycle is believed to be stolen.

Chief Insp. Jovito Canlapan, head of the Toledo Police, said Adaro was tagged as suspect in the shooting of one Edward Abao, 24, of Talisay, Mizamis Oriental last Wednesday. Abao is also reportedly with the group.

Abao, Adaro and one Joseph Montes Lawas, 33, of Cabungahan, Danao City, were together at that time when Adaro accidentally shot Abao. Adaro and Lawas brought Abao to the Toledo City Hospital whose staff informed the police of the incident. Abao was later transferred to the Vicente Sotto Memorial Medical Center in Cebu City and it was there that the police subjected Lawas for questioning. Adaro was no longer present at that time.

It was during questioning that Lawas admitted their involvement in the robberies. He disclosed that they were supposed to rob a lotto outlet in Barangay Poblacion in Naga last Monday night but because the outlet was already closed when they arrived, they decided to rob a passenger multicab instead during which they carted away P300.

It was also Lawas who informed the police about their hide-out in Naga, which led to the arrest of his three cohorts last Thursday. The suspects later admitted having been responsible for robbery incidents in Mandaue City, Balamban, Toledo City, and Naga City.

Some of the victims went to the Toledo Police Station and positively identified the suspects.

Police yesterday filed a complaint for violation of Republic Act 8294 or the law on illegal possession of firearms against the suspects before the Provincial Prosecutor’s Office. The police said it is now up to the victims to file a separate case of robbery against the suspects. (FREEMAN)