Robbery suspect falls in drug bust

CEBU, Philippines - A robbery suspect responsible in the spate of robberies in the southern towns of Cebu victimizing delivery trucks and lending collectors was arrested Tuesday evening by the operatives of the Dalaguete Police Station during a drug buy-bust operation.

Jaime Geolin, 23, resident of Barangay Langkas, Dalaguete was arrested for selling a pack of shabu to an undercover policeman. Dalaguete police chief Dexter Basirgo, who led the operation, said they recovered four packs of shabu from Geolin’s possession including the sachet sold to them for P300.

The packs of shabu were placed inside an empty container of Vicks Vapor Rub. Geolin’s cohort allegedly escaped during the operation. Aside from drug peddling, Geolin’s group is also responsible in the series of robberies in the south.

In fact, Geolin is a member of the breakaway group of the notorious Barbero Robbery Gang, whose leader James Barbero died at the hospital in January after he sustained gunshot wounds during an encounter with the members of the Talisay City police.

Geolin admitted his involvement in the string of robbery incidents in Badian, Borbon, Alegria, Argao and Sibonga. Geolin said most of their victims are the delivery trucks of softdrinks and lending collectors.

He confessed before the members of the media yesterday that he usually drives their getaway motorcycle. His partner, whose name withheld because of an ongoing police operation, serves as the gunman.

Geolin recalled getting P6,000 share in the robbery they were able to pull off in Badian, P5,000 in Argao and P2,000 in Alcoy. Following Geolin’s arrest, their group’s safe house in Badian was raided by the police yesterday morning resulting in the recovery of two motorcycles and five helmets.

The motorcycles are believed to be the getaway vehicles of the robbers. The police were able to retrieve two rounds of ammunition for 9mm, one Carbine ammunition, improvised shotgun and other paraphernalia.

Criminal complaints for violation of Sections 5 and 11 of the Republic Act 9165 otherwise known as the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2000 were filed yesterday against Geolin before the Cebu Provincial Prosecutor’s Office. — (FREEMAN)