Robbery suspect, minor accomplice, arrested through help of civilian

CEBU, Philippines – One of two suspects who robbed a call center agent yesterday morning and their minor accomplice were arrested after a concerned civilian responded to the victim’s call for help.

Cherry Tanilon, 26, arrived in barangay Calamba from work around 10 am yesterday and was walking along V. Rama Avenue when two men on board a bicycle arrived. One of the two allegedly choked her, pointed a gun on her head, and demanded for her bag.

Tanilon said she did not hesitate to hand her bag over for fear of her life. The bag contained a wallet with cash, important documents, and other personal belongings.

The suspects immediately left but Tanilon was able to call for help from a male neighbor who immediately ran after the suspects. The suspects riding the bicycle reportedly handed the victim’s bag over to an accomplice, a 16-year-old boy, who tried to run away with it.

Tanilon’s neighbor, however, recognized the boy and followed him to his house where he recovered Tanilon’s bag and the gun believed to be used by the suspects in threatening Tanilon.

After the boy was brought to the Theft and Robbery Section of the city police office, the Mobile Patrol Group conducted a follow-up operation in barangay Calamba and arrested one Emilio Pachico, 21, a native of San Fernando town.

At the police station, Pachico admitted to the crime, saying he was forced to do it because he did not have any money. He also tried to exonerate the 16-year-old boy from the crime.

Tanilon later identified Pachico as the one who maneuvered the bicycle.

Pachico admitted to reporters he just came out of jail after he was detained for another robbery charge. Tanilon said she will pursue the case against the suspects. – Christopher Gabriel C. Bonjoc/JMO (THE FREEMAN)