Two face raps for foiled heist

CEBU, Philippines - Three criminal charges will be filed against two men who shot and injured two persons, including a minor, while attempting to rob a pawnshop in Barangay Sabang, Danao City Tuesday.

Police are now preparing charges for frustrated murder, illegal possession of firearms and illegal drugs against Marcelino Quimbo, 30, and Oliver Porla, 22, of Barangay Cogon, Compostela.

The suspects were reportedly about to rob Henry Lhullier Pawnshop when noticed  by Bernie Lawas, a 38-year-old barangay tanod. Lawas approached the two but they fired, hitting his private part.

Pia Mariz Plarizan, 16, was hit in the right foot by a stray bullet.

The victims were rushed to the Cebu Provincial Hospital in Danao City.

Police recovered a .45 pistol loaded with five bullets and a .357 revolver, as well as two small packets of shabu from the suspects.

Danao City Police Chief Elmer Lim said the suspects are identified drug users and robbers.

“Based on the background investigation drug users ug mamirahay ni sila kanang kung mosukol ka pusilon gyud ka nila unya ilang kinawat ila nang gamiton para druga,” Lim said in a phone interview. (A background check on them shows that they are hit men. They also rob to fund their illegal drug use.)

Lim said they are still investigating the incident and they are in the process of coordinating with the Compostela police where the suspects live.

But Compostela Police Chief Mia Rose Burlat told The FREEMAN that the two do not have any derogatory records in their police station.

“Validate pa sad namo sa ubang dapit,” she said. (We are validating with other areas for records on them.)  — (FREEMAN)