Link to mall heist eyed: CIDG-7 nabs Carcar’s anti-crime head

CEBU, Philippines - The head of Carcar City's Anti-Crime Task Force was arrested yesterday morning by the operatives of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group-7 in Barangay Perrelos for illegal possession of firearm and ammunition.

Enrico Racoma, 60, resident of Sitio Kamagayan, Perrelos, Carcar City, was caught in possession of a caliber .45 pistol and several rounds of ammunition. Operatives of CIDG-7 swooped down on Racoma's house at 6 a.m. yesterday based on a search warrant issued by Judge Gilbert Moises of the Regional Trial Court Branch 18 in Cebu City.

CIDG-7 chief Senior Superintendent Marlon Tayaba said they received numerous complaints against Racoma for brandishing his firearm and indiscriminate firing. Tayaba also admitted having received information about Racoma's alleged involvement in the recent mall robbery in Carcar City.

At least seven unidentified armed men robbed Super Metro Mall in Barangay Tangasan, Carcar City on April 16. The robbers fled with an estimated P10 million worth of jewelry.

Tayaba, however, said the information on Racoma's involvement in the robbery is still subject to further investigation.

"We will investigate the matter," Tayaba said.

 Police Superintendent Rex Derilo, chief of the Regional Intelligence Division-7, said they are now tracking personalities that could be involved in the robbery incident last month.

 "We will be coordinating with the Police Regional Offices in Mindanao since some of the suspects were from Mindanao," Derilo said.

 Derilo said some of the personalities allegedly have pending arrest warrants. Derilo believes that the perpetrators may have local contacts.

 Racoma refused to be interviewed.  He is now detained at the CIDG-7 headquarters pending the filing of the criminal complaint for violation of the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act. — (FREEMAN)