Notorious robber arrested

CEBU, Philippines - Charges for nine counts of robbery are set to be filed this week against an alleged noted robber and gun-for-hire who was arrested by the Talisay City police Sunday evening in Sitio Crusher, Barangay Lawaan 3, Talisay City.

Joshua Tabera, 23, of Barangay Lawaan 3, who works as a plumber, was positively identified by robbery victims through the rogue’s gallery of the Talisay City Police Station.

Tabera was arrested in a hot-pursuit operation following a robbery along Borromeo St., Barangay Bulacao, earlier. Police were also armed with two warrants, one for murder and another for frustrated murder, against the suspect.

One warrant was signed by Regional Trial Court Judge Gilbert Moises, of Branch 18 last August and RTC Judge Sylva Aguirre Paderanga, of Branch 16 last January. The frustrated murder case was also signed by RTC Judge Alexander Acosta of Branch 9 dated Nov. 13, 2012.

Tabera was also tagged responsible for a series of robberies in the cities of Talisay and Cebu as well as in neighboring towns, said Cebu Provincial Police Office Director, Sr. Supt. Noel Gillamac.

One of his alleged victims, Cristal Lansang, 16, said he was walking along the road in Barangay Bulacao when Tabera appeared and grabbed her shoulder bag containing almost P30,000 worth of valuables and cash.

Talisay City police chief, Supt. Resty Santos, said that Tabera was a member of a robbery and gun-for-hire group in the metro south area. His other companions, however, have been arrested by the police in previous operations.

“Sa ilang grupo duha na lang ang nahibilin unya dunay information nga ang duha willing mo-surrender kung madakpan ni siya (Tabera) mao na among gipaabot ron,” Santos said in a press conference.

On July 12, 2012, PO3 Arnold Damasco was reportedly shot by Tabera and his two accomplices in Barangay Mojon, Talisay City.

Last July 20, the same suspects allegedly robbed Koreans, Jeong Yoo Jin, Nam Ok Min and Lee Yu Na and even shot taxi driver, Diogracias Dumancas in Barangay San Isidro, Talisay City.

Last August 19, April Young, 31, also lost her cellular phone worth P25,000 to the suspects.

With the arrest of Tabera, Santos said they are expecting more cases of robbery to be filed against the suspect.

“Ubay-ubay ang masulbad nga robbery and gun-for-hire cases in our area,” Santos said.

Tabera has denied the allegations against him.

“Gidakdakan lang ko sa tanan, limpyo akong konsensiya di gyud nako matugkad kung nganong ako,” he said. –(FREEMAN)