6 of 12 coop rob suspects identified

BACOLOD CITY, Philippines — The police has now identified six of the 12 suspects in the daylight robbery of the Central Negros Electric Cooperative (CENECO) in this city of P3.6 million in cash last March 2.

Senior Supt. Ricardo de la Paz, director of the Bacolod City Police Office (BCPO), identified the suspects as Gerlado Saniel and Roel Remedios, both of Molave in Zamboanga del Sur, Richard Dagoman of Tambulig in Zamboanga del Sur; and Ruel Alvarez of Tangub City, Misamis Occidental.

Two other suspects were earlier identified as Reynaldo Bacolod of Las Piñas City, and Joseph Calarmo of Dipolog City, Zamboanga del Norte. Charges for robbery in band may be filed today against the six suspects, said de la Paz.

De la Paz said BCPO coordinated with the Zamboanga del Sur Police Office to identify the suspects who were allegedly members of the Alferez group, which has links to the Parohinog robbery group and the Kuratong Baleleng Gang with local contacts that help them execute their plan.

The group is organized, operates nationwide, and specializes in robbery hold-up and kidnap for ransom, he said.

BCPO has issued advisories to business establishments and banking institutions to be vigilant, install closed circuit television (CCTV) cameras, and hire more security guards because there were indications that some of the members of the group behind the CENECO heist are still in this city, De la Paz said. - THE FREEMAN