Man evading checkpoint arrested for murder cases

CEBU, Philippines - A person who had pending warrants of arrest for murder and frustrated murder was apprehended by the Regional Public Safety Company in Barangay Tunga, Moalboal Thursday evening while conducting a checkpoint operation.

Jaypee Villavito, 26, of Sitio Binatak, Barangay Cansalonoy, Ronda will not only face a case for illegal possession of firearms and for carrying an unlicensed firearm but also a fine for violating the provisions of RA 4136 or the Land Transportation and Traffic Code.

He was found driving without a driver’s license and for having expired motorcycle documents.

His warrants of arrest were issued by Branch 60 Judge Leopoldo Cañete of the Regional Trial Court in Barili.

Villavito was onboard his black XRM motorcycle bearing 9138-YC together with his back rider Jelecerio Remotique, 30, of Barangay Salagmaya, Alcantara when he was trying to evade the checkpoint by making a U-turn.

Senior Inspector Hartzel Peter Billedo, chief of the team conducting the checkpoint, told The FREEMAN that Villavito was about 50 to 70 meters from them when he suddenly evaded the checkpoint.

The suspicious act of Villavito caught the attention of the police. A brief chase ensued before Villavito was arrested.

“Na-caught among attention nganong nikalit siya ug balik unya nipabulhot,” Billedo said.

Confiscated from Villavito was a 9mm pistol loaded with eight round of ammunition. He also failed to present his license and showed an expired motorcycle registration. Inspector Jerry Bawiga, chief of the Moalboal Police Station, disclosed that they have been looking for Villavito in order to serve the warrant but failed.

He said charges for violation of RA 8294 were already filed yesterday at the Provincial Prosecutor’s Office against Villavito.

Several residents claimed that Villavito was a bodyguard of Ronda Mayor Mariano Blanco. However, such allegations were not proven by the arresting officers.

Billedo also denied the issue that Blanco allegedly went to the RPSC office and tried to amicably settled the arrest. 

“Wala ma’y naka-prove sad nga bodyguard siya ni Mayor Blanco,” Billedo said.

The FREEMAN tried to call Blanco for comments but failed. (FREEMAN)