‘Robbery gang’ leader indicted for drugs, guns

CEBU, Philippines - A suspected robbery gang leader was indicted for illegal possession of firearms and illegal drugs.

The Cebu Provincial Prosecutor’s Office elevated the charges to court against Lauro Vergara, 30, after finding probable cause against him. Vergara waived his right to avail of a preliminary investigation and opted to answer the charges directly in court.

State prosecutor Petronio Elesterio recommended P75,000 bail for Vergara’s temporary liberty on the crime for illegal possession of firearm but no bail was allowed for possession of illegal drugs since more than 5 grams was seized from him.

   Vergara and the members of his group were tagged in the robbery of Palawan Pawnshop in Barangay Buanoy, Balamban, Cebu, on August 3. He was arrested Tuesday last week by the operatives of the Provincial Intelligence Branch in Barangay Poblacion, Tuburan.

PIB deputy chief, Senior Inspector Armando Labora, said they were able to confiscate from Vergara’s possession a caliber .38 revolver and several packs of shabu worth P114,000.

Vergara was identified by the witnesses as one of those who robbed the pawnshop. His name is reportedly on the watch list of the intelligence community.

Vergara and three unidentified companions allegedly carted away almost P300,000 cash from the pawnshop. The robbers disarmed the security guard. (FREEMAN)