12 ‘Martilyo Gang’ members charged for robbery

By: Glazyl Y. Masculino

BACOLOD City – Additional robbery charges were filed Tuesday against the 12 armed men believed to be members of “Martilyo Gang” that was tagged in the jewelry heist here last Aug 7, 2019.

The charges were filed by F&C Pawnshop and Jewelry, and Haoling Jewelry Store before the City Prosecutor’s Office against Marlon Parojinog, Kenneth Bonon, and Philip Bonn Rabanes, all residents of Ozamiz City, Misamis Occidental, and nine other unidentified companions.

Police Major Charles Gever, head of Police Station 8, said the employees of the two jewelry stores already received Special Power of Attorney (SPAs) authorizing them to file the charges in court.

Three identified suspects and their companions barged inside Gaisano City Grand Mall and smashed the glass shelves of the two jewelry stores with hammers, and robbed them with about P4.5 million worth of jewelry.

Parojinog, Bonon, and Rabanes were identified through the closed-circuit television (CCTV) camera footages of the mall and based on the description given by some witnesses to the police.

The three suspects were also previously charged for robbery by two security agencies last week after they also disarmed the mall security guard and another guard of a fast-food chain when the incident happened.

The Bacolod City Police Office (BCPO) had earlier showed to the media photos of the three suspects while they continue to investigate the identities of the other suspects who remain unidentified.

Police also continue to probe their alleged contacts here who may have helped them in staging the heist.