‘Notorious’ car thief, murder suspect falls

CEBU, Philippines - Authorities have arrested an alleged notorious car thief tagged in the series of ‘carnapping’ incidents in Cebu City, as well as in the killing of the nephew of Vice Mayor Edgardo Labella a month ago.

The suspect was arrested past 3 a.m. in his residence in Upper Day-as, Cebu City in a joint operation between the intelligence branch of the Cebu City Police Office and the Parian Police Station.

The Freeman is withholding the suspect’s name owing to an ongoing operation related to his arrest.

The operation was hatched following information received by the Parian Police that the suspect returns to his house in Upper Day-as at night and leaves the place at dawn. Surveillance confirmed the information.

Police said the suspect did not resist arrest.

In an interview, the suspect admitted killing the vice mayor’s nephew, Rolan Colina, due to drugs and money matters. He said he actually thought of surrendering for the sake of his children but he also feared that he would be blamed for other crimes once he did.

He said most of his friends advised him to leave the city but he reportedly refused to do so because of his children. He disclosed that he avoided authorities by staying in plain sight – that is, sleeping in sidewalks.

“Naluoy naman gyod ko sa akong mga anak… lima kabook akong anak, dos anyos ang kinamanghuran… dawaton nalang gyod ni nako sir. Naglibog man pod ko nganong halos tanan nga hitabo dri sa akoa naman gipasangil… daghan mitambag nga molakaw ko pero mingaw gyod kaayo sir (I pity my children. I have five, the youngest is two years old. I just have to accept my fate, sir. I don’t understand why I’m being blamed for other crimes… many advised me to stay away but it gets lonely),” he said.

“Nakasulay gyod ko og tulog daplin sa kalsada sir, nakahilak gyod ko nganong na ingon ani akong kinabuhi (I’ve tried sleeping in sidewalks and I could not help but cry thinking why this is happening to me),” he added.

Police recovered a .45 cal. pistol and a .38 cal. revolver inside his belt bag during the arrest but the suspect denied owning the guns. He said he had no weapon when arrested.

The suspect is in detention pending the filing of charges against him./JMO  (FREEMAN)