Two cab robbers nabbed in Liloan

CEBU, Philippines - Two suspected robbers were arrested in Liloan town yesterday morning after robbing a taxi cab in Barangay Catarman.

John Ronnel Cabiles and Edsel Broaola, both 19 and residents of Barangay Lanao, Daanbantayan were arrested in Barangay Poblacion during a follow-up operation conducted by the police.

Cabiles, Broaola and still unidentified companion robbed taxi driver Alex Rosales, 24, of Barangay Alang-Alang, Mandaue City at 1:15 am yesterday.

Rosales told the police that the suspects boarded his cab in Mandaue and asked him to take them to Liloan. However, the suspects declared a hold-up upon reaching a dimly lit area in Catarman. The robbers took his P700 income before fleeing on foot.

The robbers tried to commander the taxi unit but failed because the driver was able to turn on its anti-theft mechanism. The members of the barangay tanod who were on patrol in the area were able to notice the unusual incident prompting them to respond. The tanods however failed to catch the suspects.

It was the members of the Liloan police led by Chief Inspector Richard Oliver who were able to arrest two of the robbers during the follow-up operation.

Recover from the two suspects was a caliber .45 pistol with magazine and two bullets, two cellular phones and a small pack of shabu.

The police said the suspects were also responsible in the series of robbery incidents in the cities of Mandaue and Lapu-Lapu.

Charges for illegal possession of firearm, possession of illegal drugs and robbery will be filed today before the provincial prosecutor’s office.  (FREEMAN)