Robbery suspect arrested “easily”

CEBU, Philippines - A man reportedly involved in various robbery incidents in Central Visayas was arrested by police after the suspect “gave a hint” that he will surrender as part of his plan to change his life.

Ruel “Yoyong” Remedios, 37, of Barangay Sto. Niño in Mahayag town of Zamboanga del Sur, is detained at the Police Regional Office-7 after his arrest at his residence Tuesday afternoon.

Superintendent Rex Derilo, the acting chief of the Regional Intelligence Division-7, said Remedios have several warrants of arrest for robbery as he was involved in robbery incidents in Dumaguete, Tagbilaran, Negros and in Metro Cebu.

He said Remedios, together with seven other unidentified suspects, was behind the 8 E-Bingo Club robbery in Mandaue City last March and was able to cart away almost P1.5 million worth of cash.

Remedios was also tagged in the MyGold Pawnshop robbery along Colon Street, Barangay Santo Niño, Cebu City last April. His cohort, Mario Remetre, was the first one arrested a month after the heist.

Derilo said Remedios’ arrest was a result of a joint effort of the Police Regional Office-9 (Zamboanga Peninsula) and Police Regional Office-7 (Central Visayas) as they served the warrant of arrest for robbery issued by Regional Trial Court Judge Soliver Peras.

Prior the operation, Derilo said that the cops received information that Remedios wanted to surrender.

“Naa siya’y filler.  Although he was arrested because naa man siya’y warrant but wa na mi naglisod,” said Derilo.

Derilo, however, said they are still having an on-going manhunt operation against the other identified suspects of the other robbery incidents in the region.

He also said Remedios told them that he is willing to coordinate with the police for the arrest of his cohorts.

“I expect that he will be revealing names. Magiging conclusive aming info if Remedios will give us the details because I believe he is cooperative with us,” said Derilo.

He said Remedios is a former member of the Alferez group, a robbery group known for targeting pawnshops, and a member of the Monopollo robbery group.

However, in an interview with Remedios, he said he has long ended his involvement with the robbery groups since he has already changed his lifestyle.

“Dugay na ko ni bagong buhay. Gusto na ko mo-cooperate pud sa mga pulis,” said Remedios, adding he does not want to hide for the rest of his life.

He did not comment further on his involvement in the robbery incidents but said he will face all the cases filed against him in court. — Ma. Fatima R. Secuya/ATO (FREEMAN)