Police arrest two suspects in Skyway robberies

INQUIRER.net stock photo

MANILA, Philippines — Two suspects in robberies that occurred on the Skyway were arrested on Tuesday, according to the Philippine National Police (PNP).

The arrest was made based on two search warrants issued by Executive Judge Carolina Icasiano-Sison of Metro Manila Regional Trial Court, Branch 18, on Dec. 1, the PNP spokesperson, Colonel Jean Fajardo, said in a press briefing on Tuesday.

In a separate report, the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) identified the suspects as Anjo Sardoma, 30, and Joland Cabotaje.

Police said Sardoma was arrested in his condominium unit in Malate for illegal possession of explosives and illegal possession of firearms and ammunition. Cabotaje, his cousin, was arrested in his house in General Trias, Cavite.

READ: Skyway operator apologizes for Bicutan flooding, initiates corrective measures

According to the NCRPO, both suspects are suspected of being members of a group responsible for the robbery incidents on the Skyway. Sardoma was named a person of interest in a case last March 12, while Cabotaje was a suspect in an earlier case in January.

A license plate found in Sardoma’s home solidified the accusations against him since it matches the one attached to a vehicle used in a robbery on May 21.

Citing an informant, the NCRPO said the suspects’ victims were primarily foreigners engaged in casino junket operations in a hotel in Manila.

Sardoma and Cabotaje were taken to the Regional Special Operations Group Office.