File cases against Bukas Kotse gang

February 8, 2010

File cases against Bukas Kotse gang

Police urges more victims to sue robbers

By Francis Allan L. Angelo

VICTIMS of Bukas Kotse gang should file cases against the five suspected car robbers to prevent them from jumping bail and eluding trial, the police in Jaro, Iloilo City said.

C/Insp. Orly Gabinete, Jaro police chief, made the appeal following the release from detention of the five Bukas Kotse suspects after posting P220,000 bail for the charges filed against them.

The five suspects – Benjamin Salvacion, 38, Arvin Morilla, 28; Francisco Reyes, 32; and Jade Cariño, 29, and Faustino Lumaniog, 38 – are facing charges for robbery with use of force upon things, malicious mischief, and possession of counterfeit bills.

The “Bukas Kotse 5” secured their temporary freedom after a relative of Lumaniog, through Atty. John Mark Espera (not Aspera) paid P220,000 cash bond.

The suspects are believed to be behind five car robberies in Jaro and Mandurriao districts last week.

Gabinete said only two victims filed cases against the suspects while the other victims have yet to execute their complaint-affidavits.

“We cannot compel the other victims to file charges because they are also busy with their work. They are willing to sue the suspects only that they are looking for available time,” Gabinete said.

Gabinete said other victims should lodge complaints to prevent the suspects from hiding from the law.

The police chief said the suspects signed summons with the Regional Trial Court and Municipal Trial Court in Cities to appear during the arraignment in March.

The suspects, whose wives and relatives arrived in Iloilo after they were arrested, said they will go home to their respective provinces.

They also apologized to their victims and the police.

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