Ex-convict arrested for robbery

CEBU, Philippines - Cebu City Police operatives yesterday arrested an ex-convict who has been wanted for two counts of robbery and suspect in the killing of a nurse in Barangay Guadalupe last year.

Estilito “Lito” Estrada, 40, was arrested at 10:00 a.m. in Sun Valley Subdivision by the elements of the City Investigation and Detective Management Branch led by Chief Inspector Bonifacio Garciano.

The police were armed with arrest warrants for two counts of robbery issued by Regional Trial Court Branch 19 Judge Wilfredo Navarro on June 27. Estrada is also accused in the murder of Rey Tuñacao last October.

Garciano said Estrada was driving his motorcycle-for-hire when the police chanced upon him yesterday. According to Garciano, Estrada was allegedly on his way to a drug den when he was arrested.

“Sa among pag-arrest niya padung na siya musuyop dinhang lugara,” Garciano said.

Estrada has been under surveillance after he shot Tuñacao dead in October last year. He admitted to the killing but denied any involvement in the robbery.

According to Estrada, after shooting Tuñacao he lived with his sibling in Barangay Talamban where he sold the murder weapon, a .357 revolver.

The police said he is also suspected in the murder of water refilling station owner Kenneth Teo last May in Don Mariano Cui St. Barangay Capitol Site. 

According to Garciano, Estrada looks similar to the artist sketch of the suspect of the gunman of Teo.

Estrada was convicted for robbery in 1993 where he was sent to the New Bilibid Prison in Muntinlupa. Estrada was released from the New Bilibid in 2004 after serving his sentence. — (FREEMAN)