Robbery charge filed vs suspect in Iloilo City mall holdup

By Jennifer P. Rendon

A robbery charge has been filed against a 39-year-old man accused of robbing a 61-year-old female physician in the parking lot of SM City Iloilo in Mandurriao, Iloilo City.

Iloilo City police chief Col. Kim Legada said the case was filed on Saturday, Sept. 6, before the Iloilo City Prosecutor’s Office.

The victim, Dr. Ma. Lulu Divinah Salinas of La Paz, Iloilo City, and her husband, retired police colonel and current Iloilo Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) head Col. Salinas, were present during the case filing.

The suspect, identified as Phil, is currently detained at Iloilo City Police Station 5.

The Iloilo City police beat the 48-hour deadline set by Police Regional Office 6 to apprehend the suspect.

Phil was arrested at his residence in Barangay Bo. Obrero, Lapuz, Iloilo City.

Capt. Val Cambel of Police Station 10 said CCTV footage helped authorities identify the suspect.

One camera recorded Phil robbing Salinas in the parking area.

Another footage showed him throwing the victim’s wallet outside the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas compound along Solis Street in the City Proper district.

He was also seen picking up his wife from her workplace at a department store on Delgado Street.

Cambel said police were able to track his movements from the crime scene to his home.

Initially, the suspect denied involvement but later reportedly confessed and pleaded for help from the police.

The Iloilo City Police Office (ICPO), led by Legada, commended the swift action of its personnel and the cooperation of the community.

“Our service knows no boundaries, personalities, or popularity,” Legada said.

“We are simply doing our duty to serve and protect with fairness and quality.”

He urged the public to continue cooperating and supporting police efforts to maintain peace and order in Iloilo City.

ICPO reaffirmed its commitment to intensified patrols, intelligence operations, and close coordination with local establishments to enhance public safety.

The office also called on residents to report suspicious activities through 911, the nearest police station, or the ICPO hotlines 0908-377-0194 and 335-0299.