Suspected robber falls in gun raid

By Jennifer P. Rendon 

A man who was alleged to be involved in robbery incidents was arrested after a firearm raid on his house in Carles, Iloilo morning of April 26.

Ritz Develos, 46, was collared after police found a gun and an explosive at his newly-constructed home in Barangay Bancal, Carles.

Members of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG)-Iloilo Field Unit and Carles Municipal Police Station searched Develos’s house for violation of Republic Act 10591 (Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act and RA 9561 or illegal possession of explosives.

Recovered during the operation were a caliber .45 pistol (Para-Ordnance) with serial number 920927; two magazines and four pieces of ammunition for a caliber .45 pistol; a fragmentation hand grenade with indicated marking PRB 423; and a rifle grenade.

Lieutenant Colonel Julius Jacinto, CIDG-Iloilo chief, said they have been receiving complaints against the suspect’s possible involvement in illegal activities.

The suspect hails from Passi City, Iloilo but is now staying at his wife’s place in Carles.

While he has no means of livelihood, the suspect had just built a house.

Jacinto said Develoz allegedly had a hand in the broad daylight highway robbery at Roxas City, Capiz on Dec. 12, 2022.

But he was not charged for the incident.

Two persons were wounded and cash of P1.5 million was taken during the incident.

Jacinto said the suspect was also charged for qualified theft in Pontevedra, Capiz but he was able to settle the case.

The suspect is now detained and will be charged for violation of RA 10591 and RA 9516.