By DIANN IVY CALUCIN
Three robbery suspects, including a former police officer, were arrested in two separate operations conducted by members of the Quezon City Police District (QCPD) La Loma Police Station (PS 1) and Galas Police Station (PS 11) in the city on Wednesday, Sept. 14.
Lt. Col. Garman G. Manabat, PS 1 commander, identified the first suspect as Police Officer 1 (PO1) Jeffrey Calip, 49, who was dismissed from the Philippine National Police (PNP) in 2018.
According to the police, the victim, Maria Elena Tichangco, was using her cellular phone along Mayon St. in Brgy. Salvacion, Quezon City at around 8:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 13, when Calip arrived onboard a motorcycle and allegedly grabbed her gadget.
The victim reported the incident to PS 1 on Wednesday, Sept. 14.
PS 1 members conducted a follow-up operation, resulting in the suspect's arrest on Kundiman St. in Brgy. 511 in Sampaloc, Manila, at about 7:30 p.m. on the same day.
Police said that the victim positively identified Calip as the one who grabbed her cellphone.
Authorities recovered from Calip a .38-caliber revolver loaded with six bullets, a hand grenade, and a Yamaha Aerox motorcycle.
The victim's cellphone was not recovered.
Meanwhile, operatives of the PS 11 also arrested Albert Gado, 28, and Froilan Quilente, 44, both residents of Brgy. Tatalon in Quezon City.
Police said the suspects disguised themselves as passengers and rode a jeepney at the corner of E. Rodriguez Sr., Blvd. and Banaue St. in Brgy. Doña Aurora, Quezon City at about 11:30 a.m. on Wednesday.
The suspects allegedly declared holdup and forcibly took the items of two victims and escaped.
The victims followed the suspects and sought help from patrolling law enforcement officers nearby, who immediately responded and arrested the suspects.
Seized from the suspects were a .38-caliber revolver, one cutter blade, and the victims' cellphone.
The suspects will be charged with robbery and violation of Republic Act (R.A.) 10591 or the Comprehensive Law on Firearms and Ammunition, police said.
An additional case for violation of R.A. 9516 or illegal possession of explosives will be filed against Calip, it added.