Police arrested a man who was tagged as the mastermind in the robbery of a fashion accessory store in downtown Cebu City.
Luiz Brarangan Miñoza was identified by Blessa Tingal, attendant of J and A Wholesale 4 U store, as the man who poked a gun at her and ran off with assorted jewelery.
Miñoza admitted his role in the robbery last May 7.
Theft and robbery section chief Bonifacio Garciano said police have been monitoring Miñoza after they received reports that he has been giving jewelry to his friends.
Police said Miñoza was arrested on Wednesday while he was about to use Nubain in barangay Kamagayan, Cebu City.
Miñoza told police that he was forced to rob the store to support his drug habit.
“Ang bisyo maoy nakaingon ani (My vice caused this),” said Miñoza, who said he was the son of an engineer.
Miñoza said he started using illegal drugs at the age of 11 and was jailed for five years for a robbery case.
He was released from the Cebu City Jail on November of last year.
Some of the stolen items were turned over to the police by a wife of Robert Ramirez, a resident of barangay San Nicolas, Cebu City.
Ramirez had bought the stolen jewelry for P17, 000 although the actual price was P230,000, said Garciano.
Garciano said Ramirez will also be facing charges for violation of the anti-fencing law.
Garciano said that of the 500 grams of silver jewelry stolen, only 100 grams were recovered.
Miñoza identified his cohorts as Pedro Vergara, reportedly a native of Ozamiz City, and a certain Chad.
The store is owned by Australian national Art Burroughes and Jujiza Tingal.
Miñoza said before the robbery, he visited the store at least four times and waited for the right timing to rob it.
Miñoza said he owned the .38 revolver used in the heist but that he already disposed of it.
Minoza said he spent the proceeds of the stolen jewelry to buy P17,000 worth of drugs.