CAMP DIEGO SILANG, San Fernando City, La Union – The No. 2 most wanted person in Region 1 who was involved in robberies of schools in La Union, Cordillera and Metro Manila was collared yesterday at Barangay Sayangan, Atok, Benguet.
Senior Superintendent Angelito Dumangeng, La Union police director, revealed that the suspect, identified as Murphy Suarez As-il, have three pending cases of robberies in La Union, one in Balaoan town and two in San Fernando City, and illegal possession of explosives in Quezon City.
Dumangeng said witnesses also pointed the suspect as the one who involved in the robbery of two schools in Bacnotan town wherein a total of 29 computers and LCD projectors were stolen.
The suspect, believed to be the leader of a school robbery gang, was also charged in a school robbery in Rosario town where at least P800, 000 worth of computer equipments and TV sets were taken.
Dumangeng said the warrants of arrest against the suspect were issued by Judge Manuel Aquino of the Regional Trial Court in Balaoan town; Judge Asuncion Fikingas-Mandia and Judge Caroline Jaucian, both in San Fernando City; and Judge Maria Rita Bascos-Sarabia of the Regional trial Court, Branch 215 in Quezon City.
“Other cases would be filed against him because some witnesses have surfaced identifying him as the culprit behind the theft that happened in their schools,” Dumangeng said.
A source said that the suspect was even seen on a close circuit camera while doing the illegal activity.
Dumangeng said the suspect’s arrest is a result of the joint operation conducted by La Union and Baguio City policemen, Regional Intelligence Unit 1, and the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group.
Chief Supt. Ericson Velasquez, regional director of Police Regional Office 1, lauded the efforts of the joint operating units saying that the accomplishment will pave the way for the solution of school robberies in region 1 and Cordillera.
By Dexter A. See