Nationwide manhunt for suspect; 3 spotted

All ports in Central Visayas are placed on alert as part of a  nationwide manhunt for  the wounded robber who escaped after Monday’s  foiled holdup of a P1.2-million cash delivery  at Robinsons Place in Cebu City.

Junjun Cabando, who is suffering a gunshot wound in the buttocks, was last seen leaving his home with his girlfriend in Compostela town, northern Cebu.

Three other suspected members of the robbery gang were also spotted returning to Ozamiz City.

“We were informed by Ozamiz City police that the three suspects arrived in their area without Cabando,” said Senior Supt. Melvin Buenafe, Cebu City police chief.

He said  police in Cebu were ordered to monitor all entry and exit points that Cabando may use, including seaports in Bogo, Tabuelan, Danao City, Toledo City and Santander town.

Private and public hospitals in Metro Cebu were also asked to be vigilant and report any gunshot victim who may be the fugitive.

Cebu police were four hours too late in  arresting  Cabando, who was able to leave his old residence in Compostela town, northern Cebu,  Monday evening.

But they managed to secure a reluctant witness, the sister of Cabando’s girlfriend,  and identified three more suspects in last Monday’s foiled robbery attempt.

A police officer who requested anonymity said they received information that Cabando, whose real name is Dionisio “Jokjok” Cabatingan, was picked up together with his live-in partner Merlyn Laguitao by several unidentified men.

He said Cabando and Merlyn went calmly with the men on board a Honda Civic sedan.

The vehicle speeded off in a northern direction.

Senior Supt. Noel Gillamac, Mandaue City police chief, said they invited the girlfriend’s sister Maricel for questioning.

She was picked up in  Tunay Beach, Liloan town, in northern Cebu.

Maricel initially agreed to help the police investigation but later recanted and was released.

Buenafe said three more suspects were identified and several items such as a blood-soaked foam bed, bloodstained black pants, firearms, empty shells, wallets and ID cards were taken from the compound where Cabando stayed in Cebu City.

“We were informed by Ozamiz City police that the three suspects arrived in their area without Cabando,” Buenafe said. With Correspondents Jhunnex Napallacan and Rhea Ruth V. Rosell