A dismissed police officer and several other suspects have been charged in connection with a robbery incident involving distributors from a beverage company in Pilar, Capiz.
The dismissed officer, identified as Police Officer 1 Lyman John Cabrera Ochenta from Barangay Pal-agon, Pavia, Iloilo, remains at large. Ochenta, who was last assigned to the Sara Municipal Police Station, is believed to have played a key role in the robbery.
The incident occurred when the suspects targeted three victims, who were distributing goods for a beverage company. The perpetrators, who posed as police officers, claimed they had received information that the victims were carrying illegal drugs or contraband. The suspects proceeded to rob the victims of ₱3.1 million in cash, mobile phones, and vehicle keys.
The robbery took place in Barangay Sta. Fe, Pilar, Capiz, while the victims were en route from Balasan, Iloilo. Authorities later recovered the getaway vehicle used by the suspects in Moroboro, Dingle, Iloilo.
In a statement to Bombo Radyo, Police Major Rolando Araño, spokesperson for the Iloilo Police Provincial Office (IPPO), confirmed that witnesses and victims had identified Ochenta as one of the robbers. Ochenta had been dismissed from service on September 4, 2017, due to charges of grave irregularities in the performance of duties. He was also linked to a hold-up incident at J&T Logistics in Sara, Iloilo, as well as the murder of a chief security officer on Sicogon Island, Carles, Iloilo, in September 2022.
Capiz Police Provincial Office (CPPO) Director Police Colonel Albert Tapulao confirmed that robbery charges have been filed against Ochenta and the other suspects with the Capiz Provincial Prosecutor’s Office.
Those arrested in connection with the robbery include Marnie John Asajar of Barangay Dominggo, Sara, Iloilo, who also posed as a police officer, and John and Gemmarie Daquilaña, who were both apprehended on January 6. Additional suspects arrested include Leonito Tajasco and Arnel Arguilles.
Authorities are still investigating the identity of another suspect involved in the crime.
