Mayor calls for vigilance after release of basag-kotse suspects
City Mayor Jerry Treñas asked the Iloilo City Police Office (ICPO) to be vigilant after the five suspected members of the notorious basag-kotse gang were released from Jaro police station detention cell after posting bail.
Treñas said it is unfortunate that the cases filed against the five suspects are bailable. He said the police have no recourse but to observe the legal process.
The five suspects — Arwin Morilla, 28; Francisco Reyes, 32; Benjamin Salvacion, 38; Faustino Lumaniog, 38; and Jade Cariño were freed after Georgie Canoy, allegedly a relative of one of the suspects, posted a bail of P170,000.
The suspects are facing two counts of theft, two counts of malicious mischief and possession of counterfeit bills at the Iloilo City Prosecutors Office. They were assisted by their counsel Atty. John Mark Aspera.
Aspera also assisted the five basag-kotse suspects nabbed last year in the town of Guimbal after they attempted to victimize a vehicle in San Jose, Antique.
Treñas said criminals like the basag-kotse gang as well as Acetylene gang have no respect. They do not choose who to victimize. He lamented his wife’s pawnshop, R. Sarabia, was not spared.
Four suspected members of the Acetylene gang, one of them already identified by the police, carted away some P400,000 worth of jewelries and cash from the pawnshop. Police have yet to effect any arrest regarding the robbery incident.
The mayor urged the people not be complacent after basag-kotse suspects were released from the Jaro police station detention cell and with the presence of other criminal elements.
