Mastermind Behind eTAP Robbery Surrenders

By Jennifer P. Rendon

The alleged mastermind behind the robbery of an Electronic Transfer & Advance Processing Inc. (eTAP) machine in Iloilo City voluntarily surrendered to police late in the evening of October 11.

However, Ariston Jan Solis, 28, of Sta. Barbara, Iloilo, was not detained as his surrender occurred after the hot pursuit operation had concluded.

Captain Roquero Gimeno III, Iloilo City Police Station 1 chief, said the case had already been filed in court before Solis surrendered.

“So, we must wait for the warrant of arrest to be issued before we can apprehend him,” Gimeno said.

Solis’ accomplices, alias “Jun-Jun,” 39, a Grab driver from Sagay City, Negros Occidental, and alias “Serapio,” 37, of Barangay Sta. Monica, Oton, Iloilo, were arrested hours after the robbery.

Following the case filing, the suspects posted bail.

Jun-Jun was arrested after a brief chase in Jaro, Iloilo City, at around 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday. Police recovered PHP29,050 in cash from him.

It took some time before Jun-Jun revealed Serapio’s identity.

Serapio was later arrested at 9:30 p.m. while operating his tricycle in Pavia, Iloilo. He was found with PHP25,700, which was part of the stolen money.

The two suspects claimed that Solis had masterminded the robbery of the eTAP machine around 6 a.m. on Wednesday at The Atrium in Barangay Danao, City Proper district.

Solis, a technician and collector for the company maintaining eTAP services in Iloilo, had no difficulty accessing the machine.

In addition to the three suspects, four unidentified individuals allegedly helped carry out the robbery.

Gimeno said Solis single-handedly opened the machine and stole PHP340,190. However, when he surrendered, Solis was only in possession of PHP10,000.

Solis claimed he received PHP60,000 from the loot but used it to pay off debts and bills. He surrendered, citing concerns for his safety.

He sought the assistance of the Capiz Police Provincial Intelligence Unit (PIU) before turning himself in to Iloilo City Police Station 1.