Cops ready charges vs. robbery suspect

The Cebu City Police Office is set to file robbery charges against the man who allegedly carted away P1.2 million from a messenger of a money-changing shop Friday noon.

P/Supt. Pablo Labra, chief of Criminal Intelligence and Investigation Branch, yesterday said they are preparing charges against Francisco Mancao Ybañez who was positively identified by Wilson Sabellano, a worker of Nikko Cebu Moneychanger.

However, Labra stressed that Sabellano is not yet off the hook as "we are still evaluating and counterchecking kay impossible kaayo mahibaw-an ang iyang pattern kun walay nakahatag og info gikan sa sulod."

Sabellano who had just withdrawn the amount from a bank earlier claimed that two motorcycle-riding men robbed him while he was on his way to their shop inside the Mango Square.

Labra said they got a copy of Ybañez's picture after the suspected robber had a business transaction with an insurance company.

"I am thankful nga ni-cooperate gyud ang kaning nga firm ug they gave us the picture kay every transaction you have naa may sila hidden camera. Ang akong duda nag-casing to sila ug possibling target sab to nila ang among company " Labra said.

Labra said that aside from Sabellano who positively identified Ybañez, some mall employees could also identify the suspect. "His companion in due time ma ilhan ra na."

Ybañez, who was identified through a police gallery, was also the suspect in the robbery of a moneychanger in Talisay City last week.

"The mode of operation is the same klaro kaayo. Nagduda gani ko nga sila ra kauban ani Roy Quimada nga nalambigit sa ani pagpanulis," Labra said.

Meanwhile, Theft and Robbery Section chief Ambrosio Ibones said they are still inviting witnesses to provide them with the exact description of the robbers.

He said they also are focusing on the robbers' possible contacts who fed them with the information that Sabellano had withdrawn cash from a nearby bank. - Ramil V. Ayuman with Jose P. Sollano