'Leader' of Mambaling robbery identified

The third man tagged as the accomplice of two suspected robbers who were shot dead by responding policemen of the Mobile Patrol Group in barangay Mambaling last Sunday was positively identified by the three robbery victims and turned out to be the group's leader.

Criminal Investigation and Intelligence Branch of the Cebu City Police Office told The FREEMAN that Redentor Omacub, 26, of Lawis, Alaska-Mambaling was positively identified by victims Jurryvie Caragon, 18; Maria Agnes Relles, 31; and Maria Ligaya Omandac, 41 yesterday morning when they presented him to them.

Labra said that Omacub is actually the leader of the group since he was observed by the victims to be the most aggressive and one who gave commands to the other suspects who later were killed by responding policemen.

"Siya man maoy murag lider kay siya man kunoy agresibo gyud kaayo," Labra said.

Those killed where Edmer Roman, 19, and Dominic Degamo, 19, Omacub's neighbors in sitio Lawis, Alaska-Mambaling. Police recovered from them a knife and a .38 caliber revolver loaded with three live bullets and three empty shells, including the bag of Caragon containing her personal effects.

Roman and Degamo were killed after shooting it out with PO1s Richard Condes, Meonic Cabañero and Edcel Petecio who chased them after they were seen disembarking from a PUJ where passengers were yelling for help.

Around 50 policemen from CCPO led by the CIIB cordoned off sitio Lawis, Alaska-Mambaling last Tuesday afternoon upon receiving information on Omacub's presence in the area.

Omacub, when interviewed by The FREEMAN, denied the allegation claiming that he was with his wife when the robbery took place in barangay Jai-Alai in Mambaling.

Labra said they recovered from Omacub a .38 caliber revolver and drug sniffing paraphernalia.

Police also obtained a copy of a standing warrant of arrest for frustrated murder from then RTC Branch 5 judge Ireneo Lee Gako, Jr. against Omacub. The latter again denied of any involvement in the said frustrated murder case.

Police is yet to recover the lost articles owned by some of the victims composed of two mobile phones, two gold rings, P700 cash, and a wristwatch worth P4,000.

Labra said they would be filing three counts of highway robbery and possession of drug sniffing paraphernalia against Omacub today. - Edwin Ian Melecio/MEEV