Elusive wig-wearing “robber” arrested

CEBU, Philippines- Following complaints against a long-haired “robber” victimizing passengers of public utility jeepneys, the police finally arrested yesterday the elusive suspect in Barangay Tejero, Cebu City.    

Yoland Antone, alias “Yong-yong”, 35, of Villagonzalo II, Barangay Tejero, was arrested by elements of the Waterfront Police Station after he was positively identified by six people he allegedly held at gunpoint inside PUJs.

Chief Inspector Jose Gesto, acting chief of the Waterfront Police, said they received reports about a long-haired man who robbed PUJ passengers at gunpoint.

Gesto said they were having a hard time arresting Antone.

“Naglibog gyud mi kay wala mi nahibaw-an nga dakoon unya taas og buhok,” said Gesto.  However, the police later found out that the suspect apparently wore a wig.

“Mao man diay to. Nag-wig man diay. Maro sad tawhana,” said Gesto.

Wilcris Quimbo, 27, went to the Waterfront Police Station yesterday and said that he was robbed by Antone and his cohort last Saturday night while they were onboard a jeepney bound for Barangay Mabolo.

Quimbo said there were five of them onboard the jeepney that time and they all lost their items to Antone who was armed with a .38 cal. revolver.

He said Antone had long hair and was wearing a ball cap when he robbed them. Quimbo added he can clearly remember Antone’s face, especially his mustache.

Gesto said after Antone was identified as a notorious robber in the city, he went to Camotes Island for a few months to hide.

However, just last weekend, Gesto said Antone robbed passengers again donning a wig.  Gesto said after the incident involving Quimbo and the other four passengers, they immediately conducted a hot pursuit operation to arrest the suspect.

Gesto said they tapped the Tejero barangay officials since they know the pattern as to where and what time Antone and his cohorts operate.

The barangay officials reportedly told the police that Antone used to go to a certain area at night and uses illegal drugs.

“Nagduda na sila ato niya. Mao to nga among giatngan sa ilaha sa Barangay Villagonzalo,” said Gesto.

He said when Antone went home, they immediately approached the suspect and seized from him the .38 caliber revolver and the wig placed inside his pocket.

Six victims positively identified Antone even without his wig on and are willing to file a case against the suspect, Gesto said.

“Basin maglisod na ni siya og piyansa. Gihagoan gyud ni nato. Halos wala ta’y tulog pero nagbunga gihapon ang pagpaningkamot,” said Gesto.

He said they are still searching for Antone’s cohort, a certain Nelson Celerio and three minors.

Antone, a father of four, refused to give a comment on the allegation.  (FREEMAN)