2 fall for robbery, road violations

CEBU, Philippines - Two men were arrested at a checkpoint in Barangay Lahug, Cebu City after authorities through police hotline 166 received a burglary report at past 1 a.m. yesterday.

Juriel Lachica, 19, and Yasser Dinilogun, 29, residents of Barangay Lahug, were arrested by operatives of the City Investigation and Detection Management Branch as they reached the checkpoint near a mall in the barangay. They were found not wearing helmets and it turned out that the motorcycle they were using was unregistered.

Police also recovered a caliber .45 revolver from Lachica, including the stolen items. Lachica admitted that the gun was his and said that he only used it for self-defense. He later admitted, however, that he used the gun in robberies and told reporters he has been in and out of jail three times.

The items recovered include laptops, expensive bags, gadgets, and other personal belongings worth almost P200,000.

Dinilogun said he came to know Lachica only recently. He said Lachica had hired him but he reportedly had nothing to do with the crime. He reportedly was not aware that the items he was bringing were stolen. He also disclosed that he once applied to become a policeman but failed the physical fitness test.

In a press conference, Supt. Alet Vertucio, deputy city director for administration of the Cebu City Police Office (CCPO), said Lachica has been arrested three times for robbery and possession of unlicensed firearms.

Superintendent Romeo Santander, chief of City Intelligence Branch (CIB), said Lachica would conduct surveillance before striking.

“Maglabay ni silag bato usahay unya og walay response ilang timan-an kung unsang orasa,” Santander said, referring to target houses or establishments.

After the radio operator flashed the alarm dawn yesterday, operatives of the IDMB who were setting up a checkpoint immediately flagged down those in motorcycles. – (FREEMAN)