Ex-Army man suspect in RCBC rob-slay arrested

MANILA, Philippines - A former Army man was arrested for the brutal robbery-massacre at the Rizal Commercial Banking Corp. (RCBC) in Cabuyao, Laguna last May 16. Radio dzBB's Benjie Liwanag Jr reported that the Philippine National Police (PNP) identified the suspect as Ricardo Gomolon, a former member of the Army. Police said Gomolon was arrested at Barangay 31, Southside in Fort Bonifacio during a follow-up operation of Task Force RCBC on May 24. They said a child witness positively identified him when he was brought to the Laguna Provincial Police Office. The witness said Gomolon was the first person armed with a shotgun who entered the RCBC bank. Gomolon was presented Thursday in Camp Crame by police officials led by Director Geary Barias, chief of the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO). GMA reporter Ruth Cabal said the suspect denied any involvement in the RCBC incident when journalists sought his comments on the accusations against him. Gomolon faces charges of multiple murder and multiple frustrated murder for the crime. A complaint of illegal possession of firearms and ammunition had been filed before the Makati prosecutor's office. Last week, authorities killed four men believed to be involved in the RCBC rob-slay incident in an alleged shootout. The Commission on Human Rights, however, said that based on initial findings, the killing of the three alleged robbers appeared to be a rubout. The National Police, for its part, relieved eight personnel from the Batangas police intelligence branch and special operations group, led by a police colonel. - GMANews.TV