3 robbery suspects nabbed in CDO buy-bust operation

CCTV footage shows suspects of the viral robbery incident breaking into one of the establishments in Barangay 29. (Photo credits to Frkn’ Brgrs FB page)

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – Three suspects allegedly involved in a series of robbery incidents were arrested in an inn at Barangay 32 here during a buy-bust operation on Sunday.

According to police, the suspects were linked to robbery cases in Barangay 29 along Domingo Velez Street, where two establishments reportedly lost not less than Php 31,000 in cash and valuables. They were also tied to the August 2 robbery of a restaurant in Barangay 31, which resulted in losses of around Php 400,000.

The suspects were arrested in front of the building where the robbery incidents in Barangay 29 took place, said Police Major Mario Mantala Jr., adding that validation and surveillance had been conducted for more than a month.

Confiscated during the operation were suspected shabu weighing about 15 grams, valued at approximately Php 102,000, along with two caliber .38 firearms.

READ: PNP: Over P55m in shabu seized in spate of buy-bust ops; 4 nabbed

Police said investigations are ongoing to determine the source of the firearms, with drug testing and possible follow-up operations for additional suspects also underway.

Authorities identified the arrested individuals as being in their twenties, with one being a 25-year-old criminology student. One of the suspects admitted involvement, saying he had received a share from the crime as he has a child to support.

CCTV footage and three separate complaints were among the evidence linking the suspects to the incidents.

Cases are being prepared against the suspects, including robbery and violations of RA 9165, the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, for selling and possession of illegal drugs, and RA 10591, the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act, for illegal possession of firearms.

Police Captain Emilita Simon, spokesperson of the Cagayan de Oro City Police Office, encouraged the public to promptly report robbery cases, even at residential levels, and reminded the public that the emergency hotline 911 is accessible in the city./coa