MABALACAT -- Police said the five persons earlier arrested for allegedly stealing a tricycle are also suspects in a series of robbery in this town and nearby Angeles City.
Superintendent Gregorio Lim, town police officer-in-charge, said the group is also believed to be responsible in several cases of robberies on gasoline stations, computer shops, and passenger buses.
The arrested suspects were identified as Jayson Cajala, 19, of Northville 15, Cutud, Angeles City; Marlon Majia, 18, of Biglang Sibol, Dau, this town; Jimmy Moneva, 18, of Diamond Subdivision, Balibago, Angeles City; Totey (not his real name), 16; and Arjay (not his real name), 15.
The suspects were arrested after allegedly stealing the tricycle of one Adorable Dela Pena, 63, of Barangay Dau on January 6.
“This group is responsible for the series of robbery hold-ups that victimized passenger buses and gasoline stations. Its members operate within this municipality and nearby towns and cities,” Lim said.
The group, Lim added, is also being tagged as the one behind the robbery break-in committed in computer shops and the recent shooting incident in Angeles City.
Last January 1, elements of the town police arrested another alleged member of the group in his residence at Bigla Sibol, Villa Quintana, Balaba Phase II, in Barangay Dau for his alleged involvement in a bus robbery in Barangay Tabun shortly after the New Year’s Eve.
Police identified the suspect as Mark Hio Villato, 28, single, a native of Samar, and temporarily staying in said village.
Lim said they were able to seize from the suspect a .38 caliber revolver with live bullets.
Villato was initially charged with illegal possession of firearms and ammunitions.
Lim said they are also preparing a case of robbery in band against Villato and his companions.
He said Villato was positively identified as one of the suspects who robbed the passenger bus on New Year’s Eve.
Senior Inspector Kenneth Vega, deputy chief of police, said Villato is also a member of the group tagged behind the tricycle theft and robberies here and other adjacent areas. (RGN)