Victim in fatal SRP robbery identifies suspect in photo

CEBU, Philippines - The police have obtained a photo of one of the suspects in the fatal snatching incident last October at the South Road Properties, particularly in Barangay San Roque, Talisay City.

Talisay Police Chief Superintendent Germano Mallari said the man in the photo was positively identified by Elvie Desamparado, one of the victims.

However, he declined to name the suspect yet so as not to hamper the ongoing investigation.

Mallari said the suspect has pending complaints of robbery and snatching and operates in Metro Cebu, particularly within Cebu City to Naga City area.

Last October 30, Desamparado and her sister Lea Jane were onboard a motorcycle driven by Ruel Cabusas and were heading Mandaue City, not knowing that they were tailed by two suspects who were also boarding a motorcycle.

Upon reaching Barangay San Roque, the backrider reportedly grabbed Elvie's bag. Elvie held on to her bag but she was overpowered by the suspect.

In an interview, Elvie said they crashed into the concrete pavement when the suspect kicked the motorcycle they were riding.

They were rushed to the hospital but Cabusas did not make it alive.

So far, Elvie said, she has been satisfied with efforts to locate the suspects but she said she will not stop crying for justice until the perpetrators are behind bars.

After the incident, Mallari recommended to install a police outpost at the SRP to deter crimes in the area.

Earlier this week, police officials in Cebu Province and Cebu City said they were set to conduct a joint survey of a lot at the SRP, particularly near Sitio Salvador, Barangay Tangke, Talisay City, where the police outpost will be built.

Senior Superintendent Noel Gillamac, CPPO director, said he and CPPO officer-in-charge Senior Superintendent Marciano Batiancela Jr., along with officials from Talisay City, will inspect the lot.

The outpost will be built on the lot owned by former Cebu City councilor Procopio “Coping” Fernandez, who agreed to donate a portion of his lot in Sitio Salvador.

Gillamac said the outpost will be jointly used by Cebu City and Talisay City police officers to provide better security.

He added that the outpost will help address security issues foreseen to go along with surge of activities in the SRP, especially once a big mall starts operating this month.  (FREEMAN)