‘Robber,’ minor cohort fall

CEBU, Philippines - A suspected robber and one of his minor cohorts were arrested in Barangay Sambag I, Cebu City after robbing a fast-food outlet along P. Del Rosario Extension yesterday morning.

Richard Rama, 37, resident of the same barangay, admitted robbing Ngohiong Express of its P5,000 sales at 5 a.m. yesterday. He was assisted with two minors, one of whom was a 14-year-old student who was also arrested during the follow up operation conducted by the Fuente Police Station operatives.

 Chief Inspector David Señor, Fuente Police Station chief, said that Rama’s 14-year-old cohort was arrested by them at the school where he attended his class.

The minor was turned over to the barangay officials since he could not be criminally charged. Under the Juvenile Welfare Act, minors under 15 years old do not have criminal liability. Señor said they are still looking for the other minor cohort of Rama.

Rama and the two minors pretended to be customers of Ngohiong Express. They ordered food but instead of paying for their order, Rama pointed a gun at the cashier, Liela Comahog, and declared a holdup.

His two minor cohorts took the cash from the cash register as well as the bag of one of the customers before they fled. The customer, Meramie Corocoto, 22, of Sitio Kawayan, Barangay Sambag 2, said her bag contained assorted clothing, hair iron, and cellular phone.

 The victims immediately reported the incident to the police station. It was in the police station that they identified the suspect through the rouges gallery.

A follow up operation was immediately conducted resulting in the arrest of Rama and one of his cohorts. The police recovered some of the stolen items and a caliber .357 revolver in Rama’s possession.

Rama said he was forced to do it because he needed cash to buy medicine for his 7-year-old son who had been suffering from fever for three days already.

“Dili sad baya na kakumpyansaan ang hilanat,” Rama said.

Señor said that Rama was already arrested last April 8 for illegal possession of firearm. He was out on bail after he posted P30,000 for his temporary liberty.

Señor said Rama will be charged with illegal possession of firearm, possession of drug paraphernalia, and robbery in relation to Republic Act 7610 or An Act Providing For Stronger Deterrence And Special Protection Against Child Abuse, Exploitation And Discrimination, And For Other Purposes. (FREEMAN)