Ex-cops, civilian held for robbery, possession of hi-powered guns
Security in Pandan town in Antique has been beefed up following the arrest of two former police officers for allegedly robbing a delivery van and for possessing high powered firearms and explosives.
A radio station reported that police commandos have been deployed to secure the municipal police station, where SPO1 Rex de los Reyes, PO1 Jeremiah Pilapil, and a certain Julius de los Reyes are temporarily detained following their arrest Friday night.
Police Regional Director, Chief Superintendent Isagani Cuevas told The News Today over the weekend that police investigators are already in Pandan readying documents to be used in the inquest of the three.
The three were arrested at a police checkpoint in Brgy. Hinalinan in Pandan town Friday night, while fleeing from Buruanga town in Aklan, where they held up a delivery van.
Two of their companions were able to escape along with the money and other valuables.
Cuevas said Pandan police recovered an M203 grenade launcher, an Ingram machine pistol, a 12 gauge shotgun, a .45 cal. pistol, eight hand grenades, 25 live ammunitions for M203, and 110 live ammunitions 9 mm from the getaway vehicle.
Charges for illegal possession of firearms and explosives are being readied by the Antique police against Reyes and Pilapil while robbery in band charges will be filed against the suspects by the Aklan police.
It was reported that Cuevas ordered SPO1 de los Reyes to be placed under investigation for his possible involvement in the killing of PO1 Frederick Capasao, who was then detailed with the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency, and Rustico Vega Jr., a service manager for a local car dealer.