No bail for rob suspect caught with grenade

CEBU, Philippines - The Cebu City Prosecutor’s Office has recommended no bail against one of the suspects in the robbery of a gasoline station in Talamban, Cebu City for illegal possession of explosive.

State Prosecutor Mary Ann Castro held Melvin Igot Roble, 33, a resident of Barangay T. Padilla, for trial after he opted not to undergo a preliminary investigation.

During inquest proceeding on Monday, Roble chose not to file counter-affidavit to answer the accusations filed against him before the prosecutor’s office. He instead manifested to face the charges in court.

Castro recommended no bail for illegal possession of explosive but suggested a bail of P80,000 for illegal possession of firearm or violation of Republic Act 10591, known as Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunitions Regulation Act.

Roble was arrested inside his house on Sunday by members of City Intelligence Branch following a tip from an unidentified person.

He was reportedly identified as one of the suspects in the robbery of Petron gasoline station courtesy of closed-circuit television camera footage. He was also positively identified by a pump attendant.

Before Roble’s arrest, the CIB personnel conducted a surveillance operation against him. When they found out that he was inside his house, they immediately arrested him.

During the arrest, the CIB found a .357 caliber revolver, fragmentation grenade and drug paraphernalia in Roble’s possession.

Roble denied the robbery allegation and said he did not own the fragmentation grenade and firearm. —(FREEMAN)