Cop, 2 cohorts in robberies fall in Laguna

CAMP VICENTE LIM, Laguna, Philippines – A policeman and his two cohorts tagged in a string of robberies and holdups were arrested after a brief chase along the highway in Pila, Laguna on Monday night, police said.

Chief Superintendent Benito Estipona, newly installed Calabarzon police director, said the suspects, PO2 Saturino Balba, Ricardo Caballes, and Mario Lube are facing charges of illegal possession of firearms and explosives and violation of the gun ban.

The three yielded two .45-caliber pistols, a .38-caliber revolver and a grenade.

A hot pursuit ensued after Balba’s group onboard a white Toyota Innova ignored a police checkpoint in Pila town.

Records show that Caballes has a pending murder case.