3 bank robbers fall

Three men involved in a P2.5-million heist of a Quezon City bank two weeks ago have been arrested, the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) said yesterday.

NBI Director Reynaldo Wycoco identified the three suspects as Reynaldo Antonio, 40, his younger brother Gerry, 39 and Danilo Francisco, 40, all from the Rafael Cruz Compound in Santolan, Pasig City. They admitted taking part in the heist of a Union Bank branch on E. Rodriguez Avenue last July 17. The brothers were among seven men who pulled of the heist while Francisco allegedly supplied the firearms.

"This is something more positive than a coup," said Wycoco, as he presented the three suspects to the media yesterday afternoon. "Other people have forgotten about the robbery, but the NBI has not."

The NBI chief noted the NBI-Northern Mindanao Regional Office (NEMRO) arrested the Antonio brothers in their hometown in Cagayan de Oro last July 25.

Francisco, whom the brothers claimed was the source of the firearms they used in the heist, was apprehended the following day.

Assistant Regional Director Vicente de Guzman III said the Antonio brothers were placed under surveillance following reports from neighbors that despite being jobless, they had bundles of cash, bought a brand new vehicle and appliances.

After coordinating with NBI-Mindanao acting director Virgilio Mendez, De Guzman sent NBI agents, led by special agent Alex Cabornay, to get the brothers in Cagayan de Oro.

Both suspects admitted their participation in the robbery.

On condition that they would be protected from reprisal of their cohorts, the brothers identified their companions, namely: Victor Vargas, David Canania, Miguel Abrasada and a certain Josing and Boy.

With the assistance of their lawyers, the brothers requested that they be jailed at the NBI. They also asked NBI agents to arrest their at-large companions, saying they fear for the safety of their families.

Dr. Joemari Tulayba, a client at the Union Bank last July 17, positively identified the suspects as the ones who took his Nokia 8890, bracelet with diamonds, wristwatch and the P69,000 cash which he was supposed to deposit.

Wycoco said the bureau is now conducting manhunt operations for the other suspects while charges of robbery in band would be filed against the arrested suspects.