Alleged robber falls in drug bust

By Glazyl Y. Masculino

BACOLOD City – A suspected robber was again arrested by police for the third time, following a buy-bust operation in Barangay Cabug here last Friday.

Police identified the suspect as Edric Pasustento Namol, 23, who allegedly yielded 1.5 grams of suspected shabu worth P10,200.

This apprehension came a day after three alleged robbers were also arrested by police in Barangay Alijis here, following a robbery incident in a delivery hub of an online shopping platform in Talisay City, Negros Occidental last Thursday.

Police Colonel Noel Aliño, director of Bacolod City Police Office (BCPO), said the suspect is a “street level individual,” and an alleged noted akyat bahay suspect operating here.

He was previously arrested for robbery, but he was just 17 years old at that time, according to Aliño.

In 2021, Namol was again arrested for robbery and violation of Republic Act 7610 or the “Special Protection of Children Against Abuse, Exploitation and Discrimination Act,” but they allegedly threatened the complainant, paving the way for his release, Aliño said.

“Minor pa lang nagnanakaw na. Ngayon po hindi niya na ma-i-invoke na minor po siya,” Aliño said.

Aliño said that a complainant has surfaced, claiming that he was also a victim of the suspect for alleged robbery.

Namol is detained at Police Station 10.

A series of robbery and hold-up incidents were reported here recently. In response, the Bacolod City Police Office (BCPO) launched a tracker team to go after robbers in the city.