Robbery suspect nabbed inside hospital

CEBU, Philippines - One of the three suspects who robbed a gasoline store last Wednesday was arrested by the police after he was discovered being treated in one of the hospitals in Cebu City last Thursday afternoon.

Suspect, Ronald Labora, 27, of Sitio Pamutan, Labangon, Cebu City was given medical attention at the Cebu City Medical Center after he sustained two gunshot wounds on his stomach and leg.

SPO1 Rolando Bastida, Minglanilla police investigator, said they did not know that Labora was hit until policemen from Barangay Campo 4, Talisay City informed them.

Last Wednesday Labora was with two unidentified cohorts in Barangay Campo 7, Minglanilla where they robbed a store selling gasoline by liters.

Lucila Avilla, 71, who owns the store, was accidentally shot in the pelvic area when a scuffle ensued between one of the suspects and the victim’s niece.

Labora bought a liter of gasoline at the store but instead of returning the bottle, he pointed a caliber .45 pistol at Avilla and declared a robbery.

Avilla’s 30-year-old niece, Loleng Pacalina, suddenly grabbed the pistol from Labora and a scuffle ensued until the pistol accidentally went off hitting Avilla.

Pacalina was able to grab the pistol but when she fired at Labora, the magazine fell to the ground.

Bastida said the suspects sped off towards Talisay City on board a XRM motorcycle.

It was the driver of a passenger multicab who informed his neighbor that he had an injured passenger which he transported to the CCMC.

Concerned residents then informed the police in Barangay Campo 4 who eventually informed the Minglanilla police.

Upon positive identification of Avilla and Pacalina, Labora is now guarded by policemen.

“Wa na siya kabalibad kay siya man gyud mismo ang gitudlo sa mga biktima, (He wasn’t able to deny because he was positively identified.)” Bastida said.

Bastida said Labora will be subjected to a tactical interrogation to get the identity of his two cohorts whom he refused to disclose.

Charges for robbery with physical injuries will be filed in court against the three suspects. (FREEMAN)