Man nabbed for robbing, trying to kill former co-worker

A man was arrested after he allegedly robbed his former co-worker in a softdrinks distributorship in barangay Tamiao, Compostela town, northern Cebu.

Rodencio Ramos, 59, engaged the police in a shootout before he was cornered and neutralized.

Ramos was also accused of attempting to kill Diosdado Gayas, 49, of barangay Paknaan, Mandaue City.

Gayas is a driver of Jojardine Marketing where Ramos previously worked.

Store owner Juanito Dalanon, 73, said he fired Ramos last Aug. 23 after he caught his former employee overpricing their merchandise.

Gayas said Ramos hitched a ride while he was on his way to barangay Labogon to deliver softdrinks. Gayas drove an Isuzu Elf with plate number GEP-302.

Gayas said they were traveling in Tamiao when Ramos suddenly poked a .38 revolver at him and declared a hold-up.

Gayas said he was forced to hand over the P17,900 cash to Ramos.

When Ramos alighted from the truck, Gayas followed him. Gayas said Ramos shot him, but missed. Ramos grappled for the gun until the suspect fired his gun but missed again.

Ramos fled towards Liloan. Gayas sought help from the Compostela police who chased the suspect.

Police said a shootout occurred in barangay Cot-cot where the suspect was eventually cornered. Ramos, who was presented by police to the media yesterday, said he was forced to rob his former co-worker since he needed money to support his family. Ramos sought forgiveness from Gayas. Gayas, however, is determined to file frustrated murder and robbery charges against Ramos. Ramos is detained at the Compostela Police Station./CORRESPONDENT CHRISTINE EMILY L. PANTALEON