CEBU CITY – Police here are zeroing in on an influential person who could be behind the brazen robbery of a pawnshop on Saturday, November 25.
Police Lt. Col. Gerard Ace Pelare said they do not discount the possibility that an influential person was involved in the robbery of Oro Sugbo Pawnshop and Jewelry Store on Colon St. as such daring crime could not be carried out by ordinary individuals.
HEAVILY armed policemen secure Oro Sugbo Pawnshop and Jewelry Store on Colon St., Cebu City after it was robbed by four men on Saturday, November 25. (Photo contributed by AYB of RMN dyHP-Cebu)
“We would like to assure you that this person is identified and there are ongoing police operations on the ground,” said Pelare, spokesperson of Police Regional Office-Central Visayas chief Police Brig. Gen. Anthony Aberin.
Following the arrest of four persons, Pelare assured the public that the police are close to solving the robbery.
Three other persons involved in the robbery are still being pursued, said Pelare.
Two suspects, Jordan Ramos Baquiano and Dann Carlo Geverola Flores, were arrested on board the suspected getaway vehicle intercepted in a checkpoint in Sibonga town, Cebu, about 50 kilometers from here.
Various firearms were recovered from Baquiano and Flores in Barangay Gutlang, Argao town, Cebu.
A man and woman were also arrested in Mandaue City but the police are still conducting a deeper investigation to check their involvement in the robbery.
Pelare said “local players” connived with a notorious group from outside Cebu in carrying out the robbery.
“These local players are all identified. In fact, four of them are already arrested so we are inching closer to uncover or solve the pattern,” said Pelare.
While arrests have been, the stolen jewelry which was previously estimated to cost at least P4 million has yet to be recovered.
Pelare said it was possible that the stolen jewelry was passed to a cohort who was tasked to keep the stolen items shortly after the robbery.