myGold ‘rob leader’ nabbed in Lanao

CEBU, Philippines - An alleged leader of a group behind two robberies in Mandaue City and in Cebu City was arrested yesterday evening in the municipality of Linamon, Lanao del Norte in northern Mindanao.

Michael Florida, who was charged with robbery in band before the Regional Trial Court in Cebu City, was arrested by Regional Special Operations Group-7 operatives. 

Florida, Richard "Tangkad" Taguman, and Ruel "Yoyong" Remedios were particularly accused of taking at gunpoint P5.5 million worth of jewelry from the myGold Jewelry Store on Colon Street, Cebu City on April 25, 2015

Superintendent George Ylanan, RSOG-7 chief, said their men went to Lanao del Norte to serve an arrest warrant on Florida.

The Central Visayas policemen were assisted by Special Action Force troopers in penetrating the place where Florida was hiding as it was located in an upland area.

Ylanan said Florida was not able to put up a fight because he was caught off guard. The arresting officers found in Florida's possession a .45 pistol and 37 bullets.

Florida's arrest came six months after Taguman was collared November last year.

Aside from myGold, Florida was also tagged as involved in robbing an e-bingo outlet in Mandaue City of P1.6 million cash in March 2015. — (FREEMAN)