PNP chief Dionardo Carlos has ordered four policemen placed under restrictive custody to face further investigation for alleged involvement in a P2.7 million robbery in Trento town in Agusan del Sur last week.
The four were identified as Senior Master Sergeant Ronald Laro, Staff Sergeant Dariel John Mozo, Staff Sergeant Richard Ayala and Patrolman Ivan Klein Osorio, all assigned with the Agusan del Sur provincial intelligence unit.
They are now under the custody of the PNP Criminal Investigation and Detection Group-Regional Field Unit 13, facing criminal and administrative investigation.
The victim, Jasper Salude Pabilic, a 35-year-old businessman, said he was inside a church in Barangay Salvacion last Friday afternoon transacting business with a pastor, Nilo Dian, to acquire exotic wood when the four suspects appeared.
Pabilic said the four, armed with rifles and sporting vests with police markings, took his P2.7 million cash and personal belongings and escaped.
The four used a vehicle of the Agusan del Sur provincial intelligence unit, leading to their identification during follow-up investigation. A close-circuit television footage also helped in identifying the suspects.
Pabilic identified the four cops as the same men who robbed him.
“Their restriction will also preclude any undue influence in the ongoing investigation and possible intimidation of witnesses and complainants,” said Carlos, referring to the four cops.
Carlos said the investigation will allow the policemen “the opportunity to present their side and explain their actions.”
Caraga Regional Police director Brig. Gen. Romeo Caramat said he has ordered dismissal proceedings against the four while their superior officer, Lt. Col. Jared Charles Joaquin, may be also investigated and charged.
