Group behind killing of De Lima aide, UV Express robbery ordered charged

The Justice Department has recommended the filing of criminal charges against six members of an armed robbery group suspected of victimizing passengers of UV-GT express vehicles and believed to be also behind the killing of one of Justice Secretary Leila de Lima's security aides.

 

In an inquest resolution, the DOJ asked Prosecutor General Claro Arellano to file charges of illegal possession of firearms and explosive devices, in violation of Presidential Decree 1866, as amended.

 

"After a judicious evaluation of the evidence at hand, we find probable cause against respondents... for violation of PD 1866, as amended." the DOJ resolution read.

 

The respondents were listed as: Ritchie Cahinta alias "Jun," Ludy Dagupioso alias "Boy," Red Marlon Guarino alias "Red," Almario Rentillosa alias "Allan," Luiz Bondic alias "Kingkong," and Arvin Manal alias "Arvin."

 

The suspects were apprehended after speeding away from a checkpoint along Dr. A. Santos Ave in Paranaque City around 1 a.m. last October 6. Rentillosa and Bondic escaped but were later arrested separately in Fourth State Subdivision in Paranaque City and Batasan, Quezon City at about 4 a.m.

 

Manal and other suspects Jonnalyn Sarmiento alias "Jhonna," and Janice Brillatica alias "Janice", meanwhile, were later arrested in Masinag, Antipolo, Rizal at about 6 p.m. of the same day. Recovered from the suspects were several firearms, explosives, ammunition, and other effects of the crime.

 

The complainants in the case are Arlene Guzman, Nelfa Bautista, and Nenita Pascual, and Sheena Mae Nalo, who were allegedly robbed separately by the suspects on different dates and places.

 

During inquest proceedings, the camp of the suspects moved for the dismissal of the case since the 36-hour period provided under Article 125 of the Revised Penal Code had already lapsed. The arresting officers, however, argued there were "extraneous factors that attended the filing of the case." Under the Revised Penal Code, authorities can only hold a suspect for 36 hours. After which, he or she will have to be released if a complaint has not been filed.

 

The DOJ panel sided with the victims, saying "we are more inclined to agree with the [police]... The Supreme Court in a long line of cases... has upheld the exceptions to the 36-hour period under the Revised Penal Code." De Lima security aide

 

In a chance interview on Thursday, De Lima also revealed that the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) has also found out that the same group was behind the killing of her 32-year-old security aide, Ali Quintos, whose body was found in Ildefonso, Bulacan.

 

"It appears from all indications, from the evidence na andoon na rin sa NBI, na this is the group. It appears they have been victimizing a lot of people already. Ang diperensya  lang nga, dati nilang mga victims hindi nila pinatay. Si Ali lang ata ang napatay nila," De Lima said.

 

"Ang theory namin at ng NBI ay baka daw lumaban si Ali," she added.

 

Meanwhile, the DOJ also recommended that the same respondents be subjected under preliminary investigation - scheduled for October 22 - for separate charges of robbery and violation of PD 1612 or the Anti-Fencing Law, which punishes the buying or selling of stolen items.

 

"It is not within the ambit of inquest proceedings since said circumstances did not happen at the time of the operation and consequent arrest of the respondents on October 6, 2012," the DOJ said.

 

A preliminary investigation was also set for Manal,Sarmiento, Brillatica for violation of RA 9165 or the Act Constituting the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002. 

 

"The Paranaque City Police Station failed to show that they have complied with the requirements under RA No. 9165 to charge respondents... for the possession of drug paraphernalia's. Hence, it is more apt to hear these charges in a regular preliminary investigation," the DOJ said. — RSJ, GMA News