6 ‘robbers, guns-for-hire’ nabbed in joint operation
CEBU, Philippines - At least six suspected robbers and guns-for-hire were arrested in a joint operation Tuesday night in Barangay Arpili, in the town of Balamban.
Arrested were Jose Montero, 41; ArnelNacion, 39; Billy Cañedo, 25; Federico Dacallos, 34; Lourdesillo Cabaron, 38; and Julius Cesar Climaco, 20. All suspects are from Balamban.
The operation was carried out at past 6 p.m. by combined forces of Balamban and Toledo City police and of the Special Forces of the Philippine Army based in Balamban.
Police Officer 1 Monchito Plarin of Balamban Police Station said prior to the operation, they received information that a group of armed men were sighted in Barangay Arpili.
They asked for the help of the Special Weapons and Tactics of Toledo City Police Station and of the army in anticipation that the situation might escalate and turn bloody.
An operative was sent to the area as part of the surveillance and confirmed the report as he reportedly saw at least six men cleaning several firearms at the house of Montero.
“Naabtan ni naglimpyo sa armas sa balay ni Jose Montero,” Plarin said.
The authorities responded to the area and cautiously entered Montero’s house.
The suspects were reportedly caught by surprise and were all placed under arrest.
Seized from the suspects were two cal. 357 revolvers, a cal. 38 revolver; a cal. 45 pistol, a hand grenade, small packs of suspected shabu amounting to P1,600, several bonnets, jackets and a motorcycle.
According to Cebu Police Provincial director Noel Gillamac, the suspects are behind the series of robbery incidents, mostly involving sales agents, in Balamban and Toledo City, as well as in neighboring municipalities and in Cebu City, in the past few weeks.
They are also suspected guns-for-hire and are under the care of a certain politician in the third district, Gillamac said. But he said they cannot yet divulge the name of the politician.
The suspects will be facing charges for violation of the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act, Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, and Unlawful Possession of an Explosive. — (FREEMAN)
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