Owner of getaway vehicle: CCPO seeks cop’s custody

CEBU, Philippines — A restrictive custody of the police officer who allegedly owned the getaway vehicle used in the robbery of two jewelry stores on Calderon Street in Barangay Ermita, Cebu City last week has been requested by the Cebu City Police Office (CCPO) while a criminal complaint for robbery in band is being prepared for filing next week.

CCPO acting director Col. Antonietto Cañete said he already sent a team to Region 4 where the police officer with a rank of Master Sergeant is currently assigned.

“May request na kami…Nagpadala lang ako ng advance party doon para mag implement. Wait for our final action,” Cañete told The Freeman.

Cañete, however, refused to divulge the name of the policeman pending the filing of the formal complaint.

“Tiyaga nalang po, we will give you that information in proper time. Yon bang may legal basis na tayo to disclose. Kasi mahirap yong magdidisclose tayo na hindi pa na… premature pa, hindi pa na file ang kaso,” said Cañete.

Asked on the whereabouts of the policeman, Cañete said that the last information they got was in Camp Crame.

The police officer who allegedly owns the silver gray Mitsubishi Adventure the robbers used as getaway vehicle was on leave on the day the robbery incident took place.

The acting city director believes the police officer is also linked to the Parojinog Group.

“Kasi ang operation nila kasi as much as possible e-limit nila yong mga knowledge about the individual. Maybe sa group isa lang ang contact, isa lang ang nakakaalam puwedeng ganon. But totally to recollect all the circumstances, meron sila yong reconnection,” Canete said.

CCPO tagged the Parojinog Group, a splinter group of the notorious Kuratong Baleleng Gang, in the twin heist at Macy’s Jewelry Store and D’ Gold Chain Jewelry Store on August 8, 2024. The robbers carted away an estimated P14 million worth of jewelry.

Cañete said the Special Investigation Task Group (SITG) is doing its best to carefully build an airtight case against the people behind the robbery.

While some important documents are now ready, Canete said there are still some documents needed before a case can be filed. These include the certification from the Regional Anti-Cybercrime Unit (RACU) and laboratory results from the Regional Forensic Unit-7.

“Napakaraming document ang kailangan namin. We will (get the file) from RACU, the result from the Regional Forensic Unit-7. Some of the evidence, nakadepende doon so kailangan naming hintayin yon to filing, but ready na yong documento namin… Siguro give me time until Monday or Tuesday, mafa-file namin lahat,” said Canete.

Cañete, however, said they are filing today an initial complaint against Marcial Ponesto, the driver of the getaway vehicle.  Ponesto, who was arrested during a hot pursuit operation in Barangay Paknaan, Mandaue City last Tuesday, will be charged with violations of Republic Act 9165 (Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act), Republic Act 10591 (Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act); and explosives.- FPL (CEBU NEWS)