2 suspects in foiled robbery try at Robinsons in QC arrested

MANILA, Philippines – Two suspected gang members, one a sacked police officer, tagged in a shooting incident at the parking area of a shopping mall in Quezon City Wednesday was arrested, police said Friday.

Superintendent Ronnie Montejo, Quezon City Police District (QCPD) Cubao station commander, identified the suspects as Nomer Pacheco, 37; and Richard Fontanilla, 40, alleged members of the “Donut Gang”. Pacheco was quoted as saying that he was a former policeman assigned in Paranaque City police and who went on AWOL (absence without leave) in 2006.

Pacheco and Fontanilla were arrested inside their rented home along Baronas Street in Tondo, Manila around 3 a.m. Friday, Montejo said.

“Hiniram lang nila yung sasakyan na ginamit nila during the incident.

Ang ipinaalam nila sa may-ari ay mag si-swimming lang sila sa Infanta, Quezon,” Montejo said, referring to the Mitsubishi Adventure (XMX 544) allegedly used during the shooting incident at Robinsons Magnolia in Quezon City Wednesday afternoon.

Reports had it that the suspects stole the spare tire of a Ford Ranger owned by one Gilbert Alvarez. A firefight ensued and the suspects abandoned their vehicle after hitting a taxi while they were on their way out of the parking area around 2:30 p.m.

The spare tire was recovered from their vehicle.

Pacheco and Fontanilla were placed under police custody.