Witness IDs gas station ‘robber’

CEBU, Philippines - A 25-year-old man who was earlier arrested in Barangay Busay, Cebu City for drug and firearm possession was positively identified as one of those who recently robbed a gasoline station in Balamban town.

An attendant of the gas station pointed at Virgilio Navales, of Barangay Singsing, Balamban as one of four men who robbed their gas station in Barangay Aliwanay at past 6 p.m. last Tuesday.

 Inspector Hartzel Peter Bellido, chief of Mabolo Police Station, said Navales was arrested later that same day in Veterans Drive, Barangay Busay during a checkpoint.

According to Bellido, the suspect was inconsistent in his answers when police officers asked why he had with him a cal. 38 revolver.

Police frisked the suspect’s body and also found three shabu packs in his possession.

Navales was brought to Mabolo Police Station and now faces charges for violation of  RA 10591 and 9165 or the Comprehensive Law on Firearms and Ammunitions and the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, respectively.

Balamban police learned about the arrest of Navales and coordinated with Bellido to check if the suspect was involved in the robbery.

Dinesber Borja, the gas station’s cashier, positively identified Navales upon seeing him.

“Niari ganiha (ang Balamban police) together with a witness and he was able to positively identify the suspect,” Bellido said.

Police Officer 2 Donard Pitogo of Balamban Police said that after the robbery, his colleagues chased the suspects up to Ayala Heights in Cebu City, but to no avail.

Navales, in an interview with the media, denied the accusations, saying he has nothing to do with the robbery in Balamban.

The suspect was also tagged in a burglary incident involving a massage parlor in Barangay Lahug, Cebu City.  (FREEMAN)