Pontevedra robbery suspects charged

By Felipe V. Celino

ROXAS CITY, Capiz – Police on Tuesday, June 20, filed robbery and illegal possession of firearms against two suspects who robbed a couple of some P500,000 cash at Sitio Tabag Brgy. Tacas Pontevedra, Capiz.

Police Major Syril Punzalan, Pontevedra police chief, said the cases were filed before the Provincial Prosecutors’ Office against Jet Dela Torre, 45, of Brgy. Solo Pontevedra town and Rene Liboon of Dumarao, Capiz.

Punzalan said Liboon had a pending robbery charge in the second district of Capiz but he managed to post bail for his temporary liberty.

He said Liboon and Dela Torre became friends when they met and worked in a fishpond in Sapian, Capiz.

Dela Torre, Punzalan said, had no criminal record in his place and in Pontevedra town.

Dela Torre was arrested during a hot pursuit operation shortly after the incident.

Jesus Estollano, 47, and his wife lost P500,000 cash to a pair of suspected robbers Monday morning at Sitio Tabag in Brgy. Tacas Pontevedra town.

Police probers said Estollano and his wife were about to ride a tricycle when two suspects approached and robbed them at gunpoint.

The suspects then grabbed the victim’s bag containing P500,000 cash and fled toward Brgy. Bailan also in Pontevedra.

Estollano immediately went to the police station and reported what happened to him and his wife.

The police launched a manhunt operation and caught up with the suspects at the boundary of barangays Bailan and Rizal both in Pontevedra town.

The suspects fired their guns prompting the police to shoot back.

One of the suspects, Jet Dela Torre, was wounded on his hand while his fellow suspect escaped.

Dela Torre later told the police that the other suspect was Rene Liboon of Barangay Dacuton, Dumarao.

Recovered from Dela Torre were two handguns with bullets, an ID card, a wallet, other documents, and personal money.

He is now detained at Pontevedra police station while authorities are still pursuing Liboon.