Days after robbing a Compostela minimart: Suspected robber killed in shootout

CEBU, Philippines - An ex-convict who was one of those who robbed a minimart in Compostela town was killed in an encounter with police in Danao City yesterday morning.

Bobby Godinez, 36, a resident of Lapu-Lapu City, died when he shot it out with operatives of the Provincial Intelligence Branch (PIB) in Barangay Guinacot-Simangan.

Godinez succumbed to multiple gunshot wounds in the body and was rushed to the Danao Provincial Hospital where he was declared dead on arrival.

His companion in the minimart robbery, Guillercito Capute, 26, a resident of Barangay Cabungahan, Danao City, was earlier arrested by the police.

Capute yielded a .45 pistol with five bullets and a fragmentation grenade.

The suspects reportedly robbed a minimart in Compostela town last Tuesday. They were identified by the PIB operatives based on the footage of the close-circuit television (CCTV) camera of the minimart.

Supt. Rodolfo Albotra, the PIB chief, said the suspects were identified by witnesses through a video footage when they robbed La Carmona Minimart. The suspects carted away at least P11,000 cash and valuables.

The PIB learned that Godinez and Capute were among the noted robbers in Metro Cebu.

“Among gipakita sa victim sa mini mart murag kakuyapon kay na-identify man niya mura’g na-trauma sa hitabo,” Albotra said in a phone interview.

The police first arrested Capute at his residence. He then revealed information about Godinez during a tactical interrogation.

Upon arrival at Godinez’s house, the PIB operatives introduced themselves as policemen and asked him to surrender.

But Godinez reportedly immediately pulled out his .45 pistol.

It was at this juncture that SPO1 Francis Alen Villamor, the team leader, shot Godinez in the knee, which resulted in a scuffle.

Godinez retaliated and returned fire but missed. The policemen then fired shots, hitting the suspect in the body.

“Delikado na man atong kapolisan unya daan na man kuno na siya naghisgot nga musukol gyud kung dakpon,” Albotra said.

He said Godinez was under the influence of illegal drugs during the encounter.

Recovered from Godinez’s possession were a .45 pistol with a magazine loaded with four bullets, another magazine with six bullets and two cellular phones.

The PIB revealed that the suspects were members of an armed robbery group operating not only in the area but also in Cebu City. In fact, the group is planning to hatch a robbery in Cebu City.

“Nagplano unta ni sila nga manulis sa Cebu City pero sa pagkakaron nag-backtrack mi ani ilang grupo aron mahibaw-an nato ilang ubang miyembro,” Albotra said.

Godinez was once detained at the New Bilibid Prison in Muntinlupa City for murder. He was released a few years ago.

The PIB is set to file charges against Capute, who is now detained at the Consolacion Police Station stockade. — /LPM (FREEMAN)