"Robber" arrested

CEBU, Philippines - The prime suspect in the robbery of a manager of a gasoline station in Barangay Cogon West, Carmen who lost P1.1 million was arrested by the Carmen police Sunday evening.

Marwin “Way Tug” Paluyo, 28, of Barangay Cambanay, Danao City was arrested after an informant went to the police station.

 Paluyo, who has a pending alias warrant for robbery issued by Regional Trial Court Branch 25 Judge Sylvia Aguirre-Paderanga, was positively identified by Achilles Bonita, 65, manager of Mount Zion Petron gasoline station.

Senior Inspector Bonifacio Arriesgado, Carmen police chief, said they were not able to serve the warrant against Paluyo because the subject of the warrant was only a certain “Way Tug”.

The police called Bonita, who identified Paluyo as the one who carted the P1,100,441 cash which he was about to deposit in a bank in Danao City on January 4 last year.

Bonita, a resident of Barangay Dawis Norte, was on board his KIA Sportage when he was stopped by Paluyo’s companion. Paluyo arrived and poked a gun at him, demanding for his bag.

Arriesgado disclosed that Paluyo was once involved in an illegal drugs trade but they have yet to confirm if he has remained a drug pusher.

Police are now encouraging other victims of highway robbery to come to their office to have a look at Paluyo.

Meanwhile, a cattle buyer lost his P120,000 cash to an unidentified person who robbed him Monday morning in Barangay Malolos, Barili southern Cebu.

Alberto Alipar, 65, of Barangay Cabcaban said he was in Barangay Malolos to buy assorted livestock. He was accompanied by a motorcycle-for-hire driver, Junior Canillas and Segundino Mabanag.

When they arrived at Malolos, a certain “Nap” who acted as an agent of the owner approached them and took Alipar towards a secluded area. At this point, an unidentified person armed with a .45 caliber pistol appeared and declared a hold-up.

Alipar tried to resist but the robber fired his pistol thrice so he surrendered his two wallets.

Police said as the robber fled on foot, Alipar was able to run to the police station while assisting “Nap” who was shocked.

Police said they will invite Canillas and Mabanag for questioning. –(FREEMAN)