Toledo rob-slay suspect rearrested

CEBU, Philippines - The alleged robber who escaped police custody last Friday afternoon by jumping from the police car was rearrested by the Provincial Intelligence Branch on Saturday evening in Luray I, Toledo City.

With the help of the Toledo City police and parents of the suspect, Levi James Villanueva was recaptured at about 11:10 in the evening.

But even if Villanueva was rearrested, this will not excuse PO3 Cielo Quimat and PO2 Jonathan Buscato from the ongoing investigation.

Supt. Rodolfo Albotra, chief of the PIB, said they still have to determine the lapses which led to the escape of Villanuevawho was tagged responsible for the death of a businesswoman in Toledo City.

Quimat and Buscato will be given opportunity to defend themselves.

Both were escorting Villanueva at about 4:20 in the afternoon last Friday to the City Health Office for a medical check-up before heading to the Toledo City Jail when the latter jumped off the police car.

The PIB received a commitment order from the court earlier that day.

Villanueva was reportedly still handcuffed when he escaped. Both policemen immediately sought assistance from the PIB office led by Supt. Rodolfo Albotra and from the Toledo City police which was led by Supt. Julian Entoma.

The operatives also sought the help of Villanueva’s family in Barangay Luray I.

Authorities conducted a manhunt operation until they collared him on Saturday evening.

Villanueva was allegedly responsible for killing Ma. Belen Santillan, 59, in Barangay Don Andres Soriano. She was robbed and shot dead last month.

Santillan was heading home and was carrying pay-to-cash checks amounting to P100,000.

Operatives also disclosed that Villanueva was a member of the Fernando Sigue Group, a robbery group operating in Balamban, Toledo City, and Naga City.

Most of their targets were gasoline stations, lending collectors, and delivery trucks.

Operatives are now tracing more than 10 personalities including the new recruits.

Villanueva who was listed in the criminal gang records of the PIB is set to be transferred to the Toledo City Jail today from the Toledo City stockade.— (FREEMAN)