4 suspects face robbery, homicide charges

BINMALEY, Pangasinan -- Four suspects accused of stealing more than half a million pesos from a construction supply store and killing one of its workers have been charged with robbery and homicide.

The suspects were identified as Ronel Fernandez of Canaoalan, Binmaley; Hermie Paris, alyas Ambong, of Barangay Tebag West, Sta. Barbara town; and two John Does.

Fernandez, Paris, and their accomplices allegedly carted away some P700,000 cash from the cashier's booth of the Ana Liezel Trading and Construction Supply, Binmaley Police Chief Frankie Candelario said.

Located at McKenley Street, Poblacion, the store is owned by Anna Liezel Abagat.

Items reported missing include a Rado gold watch, gold necklace, and gold bracelet.

Killed during the robbery was 23-year-old Reymark Salvador, a native of Laguna province and a stay-in helper at the store.

During interrogation, Fernandez, also a store employee, admitted and executed an affidavit stating that minutes before the robbery, he opened the door to let Paris in.

Fernandez also admitted that Paris and he hatched the robbery after hearing that the store manager withdrew a large sum from a bank.

However, when Fernandez let Paris in, he was surprised that the latter brought two companions. The plan was supposedly hatched days after Paris, who worked at a nearby establishment, was fired from his job.

Candelario said Fernandez was found dead Thursday morning inside a comfort room near the workers' barracks. His body bore several stab wounds.

The police chief said the provincial police's Scene of the Crime Operatives (Soco) found the victim's cellphone and black wallet inside his quarters.

A blood stain was also discovered on a piece of yellow foam inside the victim's room, as well as Fernandez's shorts and T-shirt.

A manhunt operation was immediately launched to locate Paris at his residence in Sta. Barbara. Later, the mother of Paris told the investigators her son was not home.

However, she turned over two blood-stained T-shirts to the policemen. These were subsequently turned over to the Philippine National Police (PNP) Crime Laboratory for serology examination.

Candelario said he and his team went back at the barangay of Paris to try to locate him.

"Hindi ako naniniwalang wala doon ang suspect. I simply asked an unsuspecting by-stander if he knew where Ambong was and he pointed to the direction of a man having a drinking session with friends. Noong sinabi kung 'Ambong' don sa lalaki, lumingon siya at doon na namin siya namukhaan at hinuli," Candelario said.

The Provincial Detection and Investigation Management branch of the Pangasinan Police Provincial Office also helped in the investigation.

Paris has yet to identify their accomplices. The money and jewelry have yet to be recovered. (Liway C. Manantan-Yparraguirre/Sunnex)