Resto robbers hunted in Region 4

Crack operatives of the San Juan police were dispatched to Southern Luzon to get the three remaining members of a robbery gang believed behind the robberies in restaurants in Metro Manila, especially those patronized by Filipino and Chinese businessmen.

Superintendent Rodrigo de Gracia, San Juan police chief, said the three other suspects have been identified and several "good leads" have been gathered during tactical interrogation of the five suspects arrested in Cainta, Rizal recently.

So far, De Gracia said they have established 15 robbery incidents pulled off by the robbery gang since January this year. He said they are gathering witnesses and other evidence so additional charges could be filed against them.

"This will help strengthen our charges, many other victims have gone to the police station and filed their complaints against the suspects," said de Gracia.

On Tuesday, De Gracia filed robbery in band, car theft and illegal possession of firearms charges against the suspects Reynante Salvacion, 23; Gino Mahinay, 32; Emerito Lague, 34; Dexter Saren, 29, and Jay Canlas.

Following the successful arrest of the suspects by the local police, San Juan Mayor Joseph Victor "JV" Ejercito joined the call for the return of police control to local executives.

Ejercito said that the control over policemen by the mayors was also tackled during the recent Metro Manila Mayors meeting.

"It is the mayor and the chief of police who know what is happening in their area," the 32-year-old mayor stressed. "We have to know the people being assigned to us, we should have the authority to hire and fire them (policemen), di naman yung kung sino-sino na lang at di mo alam minsan ina-assign na pala sa ibang lugar," he pointed out.

Ejercito felt that the effort of the San Juan police under De Gracia was sidelined by certain government officials. The arrest was even used for political purposes, he said, apparently referring to the parading of the suspects by President Arroyo before the media. – Non Alquitran