2 arrested for robbing widow in San Juan

MANILA, Philippines - Two alleged members of the “Gapos Gang” robbery group, who allegedly barged into the house of an Army colonel’s widow and took P3 million, were arrested Thursday in Pateros, police said yesterday.

Eastern Police District (EPD) director Chief Superintendent Benjardi Mantele said the suspects Ariel Samonte, alias Aying and Edwin Ruperto alias Putok were collared by his men in their hideout in Barangay Sta. Ana, Pateros.

The victim, Maravilla Geslani, 60, and her household identified Ruperto and Samonte as among the seven armed men who entered their house in Barangay Pasadena last Oct. 12.

A houseboy, Roger Atienza, was pistol-whipped by the suspects in the head when he tried to close the gate to prevent them from entering. At gunpoint, the suspects also ordered Geslani’s daugher, Natalie Lao, out of her vehicle and dragged her along with Atienza into the house. The victims, including Lao’s four-year-old child, were hogtied on the second floor.

The suspects took away P3 million worth of cash and jewelry, including Geslani’s late husband’s .45 caliber Glock pistol, 9mm CZ pistol, .38 caliber revolver and a .22 caliber Magnum rifle.     – Non Alquitran