Cops identify suspects in daring robbery of Chinese trader

By Jennifer P. Rendon

 

The Arevalo Police Station confirmed they will be filing a criminal case against two men who robbed a Chinese national at his rented house in Arevalo, Iloilo City.

But Major Edgar Anonoy, Arevalo police chief, withheld the suspects’ identities pending the filing of the case.

Anonoy said they are part of a criminal group operating in the city and province of Iloilo.

The two suspects have been monitored to be staying in Iloilo province, but it is possible they’re also maintaining a place in the metropolis, Anonoy said.

Colonel Eric Dampal, Iloilo City police chief, added that footages from several closed circuit television (CCTV) cameras aided them in identifying the two suspects.

After the incident, Mayor Jerry Treñas issued a statement instructing the local PNP, through Col. Dampal, to solve the incident.

He told Dampal to have “all PNP patrol cars out in the streets at all times, and to have mobile checkpoints in the different districts.”

“We will not allow these hold up incidents in the city, and we are ready to support our police personnel in all that is needed,” Treñas said.

Citing that the safety of the Ilonggos is of utmost priority, the mayor said what happened “is unacceptable at any given situation. We cannot bear to add up to the problems we face right now. We are supposed to be helping each other rather than cause harm.”

 

DAYLIGHT ROBBERY

It was gathered that the two suspects entered Florence Ville townhouses at Barangay Dulonan, Arevalo, around 9:30 am. of Nov 7, 2020.

In order to enter the exclusive housing area, the two told the lone guard manning the entrance gate that the victim, Wenquian Li, told them to get his vehicle.

The guard allowed them to get in without verifying with Li if he was expecting the duo.

The 39-year-old Li owns a cellphone accessory store and has been staying in Iloilo City with his Chinese wife and young child.

He employs a stay-in house help and a driver who were in the house when the incident happened.

His wife on the other hand, was at their store when the robbery occurred.

The two robbers directly went to Li’s unit and immediately poked bladed weapons at the house help and driver when the helper opened the door.

The suspects allegedly detained the house help and driver in the maid’s quarters.

They then took the victim’s P100,000 cash and two mobile phones. They also commandeered Li’s L-300 van and used it as a getaway vehicle.

They later left the van at Barangay Pakiad, Oton, Iloilo and boarded a taxi.

Dampal said they have taken testimonies, on top of CCCTV footages, to pin down the suspects.