Suspect in Pontevedra robbery holdup arrested

By Felipe V. Celino

ROXAS CITY, Capiz — Pontevedra police arrested one of the two suspects who allegedly held up a businesswoman on the evening of May 13 in Barangay Tacas, Pontevedra, Capiz.

Police identified the suspect as Jeffry Silpao, 34, of Barangay Bailan in the same town.

Pontevedra police chief Capt. Dennis Losbañes said they received information about a suspicious armed person roaming around Barangay Guba in Pontevedra.

Police immediately responded, resulting in the arrest of the suspect.

Recovered from the suspect during the search were one .38-caliber revolver, six plastic sachets of suspected shabu weighing 30 grams, PHP 204,000 in cash, and one hand grenade.

Guba Punong Barangay Mary Grace Badoles said she is not familiar with the suspect.

Badoles said the victim positively identified Silpao as one of the two persons who carted away her bag, which contained PHP 150,000 in cash.

The suspect is in the custody of the Pontevedra Municipal Police Station, while charges for violation of Republic Act 10591, or the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act; Republic Act 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002; and the law on illegal possession of explosives will be filed against him.

Police are conducting a hot pursuit operation against the remaining suspect and the three alleged lookouts.

It may be recalled that two unidentified suspects allegedly carted away about PHP 150,000 in cash from a businesswoman during a holdup Wednesday evening, May 13, in Barangay Tacas, Pontevedra, Capiz.

An investigation by the Pontevedra Municipal Police Station showed that the incident happened around 8:15 p.m. as the victim, identified only as alias Inday, 76, was about to get off a tricycle in front of her house.

Police said the suspects suddenly grabbed her bag, which contained PHP 150,000 in cash from the income of her store at the town’s public market.

One of the suspects allegedly fired a gun after the victim’s husband, identified only as alias Ryan, 76, who was also in the tricycle, tried to chase them.

Police said more than two persons may have been involved in the incident, including others who allegedly served as lookouts.

Based on witness accounts, one of the two suspects had three other companions when they parted ways.

Losbañes said the suspects fled on a motorcycle toward a nearby hotel in the village, where they removed their jackets and bonnets.

Police said the suspects later fled on a tricycle, leaving behind a black Suzuki Skydrive motorcycle at the hotel.

Police are processing the evidence and coordinating with the Land Transportation Office and the Highway Patrol Group to verify the ownership of the motorcycle.