Riders rob tobacco salesmen of P35K in Iloilo

By Jennifer P. Rendon

Two motorcycle-riding suspects robbed two cigarette company salesmen of P35,000 in a daring mid-morning heist in Cabatuan, Iloilo.

Daryl Tanangonan Lamitan, 41, of Barangay Balcon Milleza, Jordan, Guimaras, and Jojo Sullano Buenafe of Barangay Buntatala, Jaro, Iloilo City, had just exited their vehicle when the robbery occurred around 10:30 a.m. in Barangay Gaub.

The salesmen were collecting payments from a local store owner when the robbers, one driving and the other riding, halted in front of them, dismounted their bike, and approached.

Capt. Dionisio Estacio, Cabatuan police chief, reported that the gunman threatened the victims with a handgun and seized their bag of cash before fleeing towards San Miguel town. The driver wore a helmet, while the accomplice’s face was visible.

“The victims collect payments in that area every Friday,” Estacio noted, suggesting the robbers had likely studied the salesmen’s routine.

The investigators have yet to determine whether the suspects are local to Cabatuan. Estacio mentioned there are no known active robbery rings currently under surveillance in the area.