2 of 3 suspects in bungled Caloocan heist known

Two of three suspects who figured in a failed attempt to rob a motorcycle store in Caloocan City, which led to the death of one suspect and the wounding of a Pampanga policeman, have been identified.

Chief Inspector Jose Valencia, Station Investigation and Detective Management Bureau (SIDMB) chief, identified the slain suspect as Carlo Cabanilla, 50, a former Marine who went AWOL (absent without official leave).

Police Officer 1 Rommel Zagala, assigned at the office of Pampanga Provincial Director Senior Superintendent Keith Ernald Singian, sustained a gunshot wound in the left arm and was taken to the MCU Hospital for treatment.

Zagala was at the store last Thursday allegedly to get Singian’s white Isuzu Crosswind parked in front of the establishment.

Singian is the father-in-law of Jose Jorge Faraon Jr. and stepfather of Faraon’s wife, Doreen, 34, owners of the JJD Motorcycle Parts and Accessories on 8th Avenue, Rizal Avenue Extension and the intended victims of the robbers.  They were left unhurt.

Cabanilla’s sister, Edna Sumiguin of Umingan, Pangasinan, identified his body and admitted to the police that her late brother was a robber.

The suspect who accidentally shot and killed Cabanilla as he grappled with Zagala during the failed heist was identified as Diomedes Vergara, a native of Pagadian City in Zamboanga del Sur. His last known address is in Talaba, Bacoor, Cavite.

Witnesses identified Vergara from the Caloocan police rogues’ photo gallery. He was previously charged in court for another robbery with homicide case.

The police is preparing to file charges of attempted robbery with homicide against Vergara and verifying the identity and whereabouts of a third suspect.  – Jerry Botial