Suspect in P30 million Pasig heist surrenders

MANILA, Philippines — One of two men accused of involvement in a P30-million robbery in Pasig City allegedly perpetrated by four Taguig policemen has surrendered to authorities.

Roel Galan reportedly admitted his participation in the crime, Pasig police chief Col. Roman Arugay said yesterday.

Arugay said Galan surrendered to the vice mayor of Bulusan in Sorsogon, who turned him over to the Bicol police on Dec. 21.

The National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) said Galan was transferred to the custody of the Pasig police on Wednesday.

The NCRPO posted on social media a wanted photo of Galan and another suspect, dismissed police officer Ferdinand Fallaria.

Taguig police officers S/Sgt. Jayson Bartolome, Pat. Kirk Joshua Almojera and Corporals Merick Desoloc and Christian Jerome Reyes were sacked from their posts and placed under restrictive custody for their alleged involvement in the robbery.

NCRPO chief Maj. Gen. Vicente Danao Jr. said police are still tracking down Fallaria, who allegedly masterminded the robbery.

Danao ordered police to take precautions during the manhunt operation.

“We believe that Fallaria is armed and dangerous,” he said. “We will leave no stone unturned to dismantle this group of scalawags.”

Police have filed charges of robbery with homicide against the suspects before the Pasig prosecutor’s office.

Bartolome is facing a separate case of carjacking.

Bartolome was wounded while another suspect, Jhon Carlo Atienza, was killed after they reportedly shot it out with police.

Philippine National Police chief Gen. Dionardo Carlos said it is up to the prosecutor to determine if there are strong grounds against the suspects.

The NCRPO also filed administrative cases against the Taguig policemen.

The policemen reportedly broke into a Japanese expatriate’s home in Barangay Kapitolyo, Pasig and held him and his partner at gunpoint on Dec. 18.

The police officers and their cohorts allegedly forced Kani Toshihiro to open a vault where they reportedly took an estimated P30 million in cash and a mobile phone.