Robbery group leader arrested in Lanao del Norte

CEBU CITY, Philippines—The leader of a robbery group that victimized a pawnshop in Cebu City and an online bingo outlet in Mandaue City, Cebu, was arrested by operatives of the Regional Special Operations Group (RSOG) in Linamon town, Lanao del Norte on Thursday evening.

The suspect identified as Michael Florida was served four pending arrest warrants at his upland hideout, said Supt. George Ylanan, RSOG Central Visayas chief.

“He went into hiding in the upland area. We didn’t want to be complacent so we asked to be accompanied by Special Action Force troopers,” Ylanan said.

Ylanan said the house was gated but they managed to enter and Florida didn’t resist arrest. The residents claimed that Florida introduced himself as a seaman to explain his wealth which included fighting cocks.

Recovered from his possession were one .45-caliber pistol and 37 live bullets. Ylanan said Florida was with an unidentified woman when he was arrested.

He said Florida was placed under surveillance for three days prior to his arrest.

Florida has been tagged as the leader of the group responsible for robbing P5.4-million worth of cash and valuables from the MyGold pawnshop in April last year.

His group also robbed P1.6-million in cash from the E-Bingo outlet in Mandaue City in March also last year.

The group was linked to robberies of Oro China outlet in Tagbilaran City and an E-Bingo outlet in Dumaguete City. TVJ