Rob charges set vs cop, 6 others

BAYOMBONG, Nueva Vizcaya — Police are set to file this week criminal charges against seven people, including a police officer, in connection with last week’s robbery at a local drugstore here where this town’s police chief was nearly killed.

SPO4 Anselmo Dulin, investigation chief of the municipal police, said charges of robbery in band will be filed against the seven suspects, including a policeman who allegedly gave protection to the gang, for the July 31 robbery at the Bilal Pharmacy.

Dulin refused to identify the policeman, who hails from a neighboring province, pending his and the other suspects’ arrest.

He said the suspects were identified after their getaway vehicle was recovered in Bagabag town, about 15 kilometers away, last Monday.

The robbers, brandishing assorted firearms, including an M-14 Armalite rifle, shot it out with Chief Inspector Dionisio de Guzman, the town’s police chief, and one of his men in a pursuit operation.

The getaway vehicle was stolen from its owner, Nathaniel Guillermo of neighboring Quirino province, several hours before the robbery. — Charlie Lagasca