6 ‘guns-for-hire’ to face robbery charges

CEBU, Philippines- The six suspected robbers and guns-for-hire arrested in Barangay Arpili, Balamban in a joint police operation may be facing additional charges after their alleged victims surfaced and positively identified them as those who robbed them.

Senior Police Officer 2 Jose Ranielito Villarino, chief investigator of Balamban Police Station, said Jose Montero, 41; Arnel Nacion, 39; Billy Cañedo, 25; Federico Dacallos, 34; Lourdesillo Cabaron, 38; and Julius Cesar Climaco, 20, might be sued for robbery next week.

These would be in addition to the criminal complaints filed by Balamban Police against the six for possession of firearms, explosives and illegal drugs last Thursday.

Villarino said at least three beverage companies expressed their intention to file charges against the six accused who allegedly robbed their salesmen earlier.

The suspects are reportedly behind the series of robbery incidents, mostly involving sales agents, in Balamban, Toledo City, neighboring municipalities and in Cebu City, for the past weeks.

They were apprehended on August 18 by the joint forces of Balamban and Toledo City police and of the Special Forces of the Philippine Army based in Balamban.

Police have seized 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 from the suspects.

The operation stemmed from information received by the police about a group of armed men who were sighted in Barangay Arpili.

During the surveillance, a police operative reportedly saw at least six men cleaning several firearms at the house of Montero.

Villarino said the victims may formally file robbery complaints against the suspects through a regular preliminary investigation next week.

 He further advised other complainants to surface and report to their station if they were also victimized by the suspects.

Villarino said the six chose not to submit counter-affidavit during the inquest proceedings before State Prosecutor Jerome Abarca.

They are currently detained at Balamban Police Station. (FREEMAN)