2 thieves fall after victimizing students

CEBU, Philippines - Police arrested two thieves minutes after they victimized two high school students crossing the skywalk along Osmeña boulevard yesterday morning.

The two were identified as Reymart Javier and Jaymar Sillar, both from Barangay Ermita. They were arrested by a member of the Investigation and Detective and Management Branch (IDMB) of the Cebu City Police Office (CCPO).

PO1 Mark Aniñon told The Freeman he was on his way to work around 10:30 am when he noticed the two suspects running along Sanciangko Street. Acting on instinct, Aniñon followed the two on board his motorcycle until such time that they boarded a jeepney bound for the port area.

Aniñon also boarded the jeepney and fearing that the two suspects were armed, pulled out his firearm and pointed the same to the suspects. He then handcuffed the two, made them ride on his motorcycle and brought them to CCPO.

There, two third year high school students of the Abellana National School, ages 15 and 14, identified the suspects as the ones who took their belongings at the skywalk.

The victims said they took the skywalk in going back to school from a computer café when Javier asked them for cigarettes. When they told him they had none, Javier allegedly snatched the silver necklace of the 15-year-old, which costs P1,500. Not satisfied, the two suspects allegedly frisked the boys and took away their money, P130 and P40, respectively.

The suspects later returned the necklace at the police station, but the money could no longer be found. Police believed the suspects might have thrown the money to the road while on board the motorcycle.

Both suspects claimed they are only 16 years old, but authorities said this was impossible because Sillar, for one, had been apprehended for theft three years ago and also claimed he was still 16 years old at that time.

Javier later admitted they were the ones who robbed the two students, saying the same was just a “payback.”

“Ako ra to panimalos, kay gikulata ko ug gi-kawatan man ko,” he said. 

Both suspects are currently detained at CCPO while awaiting the filing of formal charges against them.

Investigators are urging victims of theft, even minors, to be courageous in reporting the same to the police, saying everyone should help fight crime. – (FREEMAN)