GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEE, TANOD NABBED FOR ROBBERY ATTEMPT
Baleros says both suspects are members of the Epogon robbery, gun-for-hire group
A GOVERNMENT employee and a barangay tanod who were alleged members of robbery and gun-for-hire group were arrested over the weekend for allegedly attempting to rob a businessman in Cauayan.
The Police arrested as Eduard Acopan, 34 years old a municipal employee and resident of Hinigaran and Gerald Batoy, 32 years old, a barangay tanod and resident of Himamaylan City.
Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office director, Police Colonel Romeo Baleros, said both Acopan and Batoy are reportedly members of the Epogon robbery and gun-for-hire group.
Baleros said the two are also responsible for a string of robbery incidents in the town of Cauayan and in Sipalay City.
The suspects were arrested by members of the Cauayan Municipal Police Station and soldiers from the 15th Infantry Battalion.
Baleros said the local police received information that the suspects were planning to target a local businessman prompting them to conduct an operation against the two.
Cops recovered two .45 caliber pistols with several rounds of ammunition, and a fragmentation grenade.
Baleros added they are now investigating the two suspects, as they strongly believe that the two are also responsible for the recent robbery incidents in Bago City.
The two are facing charges of illegal possession of firearms and explosives and are presently detained at the Cauayan Municipal Police Station.*