Ex-con arrested for robbery

CEBU, Philippines - An ex-convict suspected of a recent robbery was arrested yesterday dawn in Barangay Carreta, Cebu City.

Romulo Lauron Ligan, 46, was arrested in a joint operation conducted by the Investigation and Detection and Management Branch and Theft and Robbery Section of the Cebu City Police Office at around 12:45 a.m. in his house in Sitio Ponce 2, Barangay Carreta Cebu City.

Recovered from his possession was a .357 cal. revolver with five live rounds and several empty shells and a bag which was later identified to belong to a recent robbery victim.

Ligan is suspected of robbing college student Sheila Mae Natur while inside a jeepney last Wednesday.

Natur reported to the Mabolo Police Station that while they were in a jeepney heading towards the North Reclamation Area Ligan pointed a gun at her and took her sling bag.

TRS investigator, PO3 Ernesto Panaligan said Ligan has been involved in at least seven robbery and hold-up incidents in various police stations.

He said seven other robbery victims have positively identified Ligan.

However, Ligan denied all the allegations against him and instead blamed the police for his arrest and detention. 

Ligan is currently detained at the CCPO detention cell while waiting for the filing of complaints against him.

Ligan was previously convicted of murder and served 15 years and nine months in the New Bilibid Prison. (FREEMAN)