Bank rob, kidnap suspect caught disguised as laborer

MANILA, Philippines - Police arrested yesterday a suspected member of a bank robbery and kidnap group who was working as a laborer at a construction site in Malate, Manila, reportedly as part of his surveillance operation.

Three co-workers told police that Ronnie Paguipo, 31, of MacArthur, Leyte, threatened them with a gun.

Recovered from Paguipo’s possession was an unlicensed Colt .45 caliber pistol with a loaded magazine,police said.

According to police records, Paguipo ranks fourth on the list of suspected members of the Waray-Waray group, which is involved in bank robbery, kidnap for ransom, and gun for hire operations in Metro Manila, Eastern Visayas and Central Luzon.

The group was tagged in a foiled attempt to rob a businessman in MacArthur, Leyte in July 2008.

Police believes the Waray-Waray gang is planning a big heist in Manila with Paguipo as the point man of the group.

Paguipo was charged with grave threat, illegal possession of firearm and ammunition and violation of the election gun ban yesterday before Manila Prosecutor Magnolia Gonzales.