Cops arrest “notorious robber”

CEBU, Philippines - An alleged notorious robber believed to be a member of Masbate robbery group was arrested by the Mandaue City police early morning yesterday in Sitio Lapyahan, Barangay Labogon in Mandaue City.

A report from a concerned citizen led to the arrest of Helario “Ondo” Sollano, 43, of Barangay Luna, Placer, Masbate. Confiscated from him was a .357 revolver with four bullets and one empty shell.

 Police received an armed person alarm which prompted them to respond and arrest Sollano.

Sr. Insp. Wilson Abot, Station 3 police chief, said Sollano was sighted in the said barangay as his brother is reportedly staying there.

When checked, Abot said that Sollano has a pending warrant of arrest for robbery from Masbate.

Abot disclosed that Sollano was among the three suspects they arrested in the attempted robbery of hardware last year in the same barangay. Sollano however, eluded arrest during a hot pursuit operation.

The three accomplices of Sollano were also from Masbate.

Abot further said that the said group is well known in Masbate and the police were on a hunt against them.

“Dili na man sila kabalik ngadto kay daghan na ug kaso sa robbery unya init na pud sila maong diri na lang sila Cebu,” Abot said in a phone interview. (They couldn’t go back to Masbate where the police are hot on their heels that’s why they stayed in Cebu.)

Sollano is now detained at the Police Station 3 as charges for illegal possession of firearm and violation of RA 7166 or Comelec gun ban will be filed today against him. – (FREEMAN)