Brgy. councilor nabbed for lost ring

A BARANGAY councilor and a companion were arrested by police in Sogod, Cebu last Thursday for allegedly swindling an 89-year-old man.

The two allegedly posed as physical therapists, complete with medical instruments, and promised Matias Layague that they will cure him of his body pains.

But the two ran off with Layague’s ring worth P20,000.

The two were identified as Jemilito Andojar, 46, of Barangay Cambinoy, Palompon, Leyte and Jerry Gil, 36, of Barangay North Poblacion, Naga City, Cebu.

Recovered from their possession were Layague’s ring, a stethoscope, gadgets for measuring pulse rate and blood pressure, medicines and medical prescriptions.

The incident happened inside the house of Layague in Barangay Ilihan, Tabogon. The suspects arrived in the house posing as physical therapists.

While they were massaging Layague’s body, they asked the old man to remove his ring. After the massage, the two fled in a hurry and Layague noticed that his ring was missing.

Checkpoint

Police stations in Tabogon and neighboring towns were alerted about the incident.

Insp. Aldrin Villacampa, chief of Sogod Police Station, said they conducted a checkpoint in front of the municipal hall.

Upon seeing the checkpoint, the suspects, who were riding a black motorcycle, turned around.

Chase

Police gave chase and caught up with the two in Barangay Pansoy, Sogod, Cebu.

Interviewed by reporters, Andojar admitted stealing the ring, saying he couldn’t resist the temptation.

“Kato ra gyud nga higayon (That was the only one),” he said when asked if he had victimized other people.

Senior Supt. Patrocinio Comendador, head of Cebu Provincial Police Office, said the suspects could be connected to an organized crime group.

“Mao ni ilang mga modus, mamiktima og tiguwang (They victimize old people),” he said.

Comendador said similar incidents also happened in other northern towns of Cebu for the past few months, and Gil reportedly fit the description given by the victims.