3 rob suspects caught at UP campus

MANILA, Philippines - Three suspected robbers were arrested at the University of the Philippines campus in Diliman, Quezon City Sunday.

Anonas police station commander Superintendent Ferdinand Villanueva identified the suspects as Rolando Torpio, 34, alias Striker or Apa, Predel Palma, alias Bunso, 25; and Junjun Arcenal, 33, alias Tata, 33, all of Pook Libis.

Police said all the suspects were staying in a shanty owned by alleged group leader Billy Mallorca, 37, who is now the subject of a manhunt.

Police recovered several pay slips indicating the suspects may have been involved in a payroll robbery in Sta. Rosa, Laguna last Oct. 20. One of the suspects may have also shot Mary Anne Flores in the right leg last Nov. 19 when she refused to give up her bag during a robbery along Kamias Road Extension in Quezon City.

Scene of the Crime Operatives seized a .22 caliber rifle, two handguns, two M-16 magazines, and several types of ammunition.

Police also recovered five motorcycle helmets, camouflage shorts and jackets, bags, wallets, credit cards, identification cards, and a driver’s license.

The suspects were brought to the police station, where Flores identified Arcenal as the man who shot her before fleeing on a motorcycle.

Villanueva also called on the suspects’ other victims of similar incidents to proceed to the Anonas police station and press charges against the suspects.