MAGALANG -- One of the suspects in a robbery incident here that happened in nearby Angeles City was apprehended Saturday by elements of the town police.
Islan Garcia, 27, of Sindalan, City of San Fernando, was tagged as one of the four persons who allegedly robbed the Central Gasoline Station in Barangay Balibago, Angeles City at dawn on Monday.
Senior Superintendent Danilo Bautista, Angeles City police officer-in-charge, said Garcia was identified because of the closed circuit television (CCTV) camera installed at the fuel station owned by City Councilor Ares Yabut.
A security guard was killed in the robbery and some P21,000 were carted away by the suspects.
Superintendent Henry Flores, Magalang police chief, said Garcia was arrested when he tried to avoid a police “checkpoint” established in Barangay Santa Cruz in this town.
Flores said his men spotted Garcia and another person, on board a motorcycle, who made a sudden back turn upon reaching the police line.
A brief chase ensued between the suspects and lawmen. Flores said Garcia was collared by the policemen after he jumped off the motorcycle.
Garcia’s companion, however, managed to escape during the chase.
Police said an improvised handgun and methamphetamine were seized from Garcia.
Flores said Garcia will face charges of illegal possession of firearms and illegal drugs, which was filed by the police before the Provincial Prosecutor’s Office.
The Angeles City Police will also file Robbery with Homicide against Garcia, Vincent Henry Chua, and two others, according to Bautista.
Garcia and Chua were caught on the fuel station’s CCTV recording. (Reynaldo G. Navales)