8 suspects in Lapu-Lapu heist already charged

CEBU, Philippines - Robbery and carnapping charges were formally filed yesterday against seven men and a woman who were tagged suspects in the heist of around P7 million in cash and valuables in Lapu-Lapu City last Sunday.

Cases have been filed against Jericho John Francisco, Ritchie Signar, Khent Colanggo, Rodrigo Boyles, Gary Jaylo, Rudy Adaya, Christopher Viña and Joy Chan before the Lapu-Lapu City Prosecutor's Office.

The charges were filed by victim Marites Amit, 51, along with personnel from the Lapu-Lapu City Police Office Theft and Robbery Section.

After the suspects were presented at the prosecutor's office for inquest proceedings last Tuesday afternoon, the police opted not to bring them over during the filing yesterday because of security risks.

Amit, a casino financier, said the break-in left her traumatized until now.

"I still have bruises until now. I couldn't help but cry and scream when I saw them," Amit said yesterday, referring to the men who allegedly aimed guns at her, beat her and tied her up on her bed in their house in Deca 4, Barangay Bankal.

Amit added that most of the cash and valuables stolen from her were not recovered.

"Maluoy sila, iuli nila. Those are for sale. The watches, baligya intawon to nako, hasta ang mga alahas," she said.

Amit said the robbers took an estimated P800,000 cash and some foreign currencies, including bags, gadgets and jewelry worth P4.9 million.

Only about P149,000 cash was recovered.

The suspects also stole post-dated checks worth P2 million and fled with the use of Amit's black Mitsubishi Montero Sport (YLD 565) worth P1.5 million.

The vehicle was immediately recovered after the suspects were intercepted by police authorities in Alcoy town, southern Cebu.

"I hope the police can help secure me and my family, considering the suspects may be members of an organized crime group," Amit said. — (FREEMAN)