Robbery group leader here for planned heists

CEBU, Philippines - Police said suspected robbery leader Leonardo Tabasan is here with his accomplices in Cebu to rob big establishments and business outlets.

During questioning, Tabasan, the alleged leader of the group, reportedly admitted that they are planning to hit a telecommunications center in Bogo City and a gasoline station in Mandaue City.

He also claimed of being involved in some of the lending firm robberies in Lapu-Lapu City.

Tabasan, 47, a former soldier of the Armed Forces of the Philippines based in Cagayan de Oro was nabbed by operatives of the Provincial Intelligence Branch last Sunday in his house in Barangay Sudlonon, Bogo City.

His arrest was by virtue of a warrant for illegal possession of firearms signed by Judge Edgar Chua of the Regional Trial Court-Third Judicial Region Branch 47 in San Fernando City, Pampanga, last July 15, 2005.

A .45 cal. Colt 1911 pistol, two magazines each with seven live rounds, a hand grenade and four medium packets of shabu were confiscated from him.

Tabasan also claimed to have once been a gun runner of somebody in Danao City he would not identify, he would smuggle the firearms to Luzon and Mindanao.

Cousins Harold Hermosilla, 24 and Nelson Hermosilla, 24, as well as Eldie Flores, 24 positively identified Tabasan as their leader. The three were arrested last Friday in a raid at Barangay Bangkal, Lapu-Lapu City.

Cebu Provincial Police Office director Patrocinio Comendador also identified Tabasan as an original member of the Kuratong Baleleng robbery gang and involved in the Banco de Oro robbery in Pampanga. Tabasan’s apprehension was his third arrest after he posted bail on the first two arrests years ago. 

Comendador said he will be coordinating with the National Capital Region Police Office to check other cases involving Tabasan.

He added that the three suspects formerly arrested were supposedly heading to Manila for the same motive. Comendador said that Tabasan’s arrest has neutralized big robbery groups in the province.

“Ang importante ani na-neutralize nato ang big-time group from Mindanao, atong napugngan ang mga dagko nilang plano sa pagpa-nulis kay nakuha nato ang ilang lider,” Comendador said.

The arrest of the suspects came following information revealed by a certain Arman Tipontipon who was arrested by the PIB in Bogo City.

The Mandaue City Police Office and the Lapu-Lapu City Police Office are now coordinating with the CPPO.

Charges for drug possession and illegal possession of firearms will be filed against him either today or tomorrow. He is temporarily detained in the Compostela police stockade.   - (THE FREEMAN)