‘Basag kotse’ suspect denies involvement
A suspected member of Basag Kotse Gang who was turned-over by a punong barangay in the City Proper to the police denied his participation on the burglary of the car owned by businessman Wilfredo Lim last Tuesday.
Chief Inspector Conrado Carganillo, chief of City Proper Police Station, said suspect Franciso Tamayo denied any participation on the case.
Lim’s Isuzu Crosswind was ransacked while parking outside the Social Security System (SSS) office in Rizal-Burgos Sts., Iloilo City. The victim lost some P125,000 worth of gift cheques and some cash.
Tamayo surrendered to police authorities upon the intervention of Barangay Captain Noel Espinosa of Barangay Monica, City Proper. The suspect has several records of robbery cases but he denied involvement in Basag Kotse Gang operations.
Carganillo said Tamayo was identified by their witness through his pictures in the rogues gallery. After Tamayo was identified, police sought the help of Barangay Captain Espinosa. The barangay official gave his cooperation to the police by turning over the suspect.
The suspect was lined up with several other detainees for the witness to identify. He was easily identified by the witness even if Tamayo was combined with the other detainees.
It was learned that the suspect and his accomplices made a diversionary tactic by asking one of those bystanders which has a good view of the vehicle for help. While, the other suspects immediately ransacked the vehicle.
The suspect was seen by the witness near Lim’s vehicle before the burglary was discovered. With the positive identification, the police is preparing charges against the suspect.
Carganillo will also coordinate with the police precincts of Mandurriao and Jaro whether Tamayo is the same person seen on the parking area before incidents of Basag Kotse happened.