A dismissed policeman is accused as one of about six suspects in the robbery of softdrinks company collectors in Pilar town, Province of Capiz.

The policeman identified as Lyman John Ochenta was dismissed from the service in 2017 for grave misconduct. He held the rank of Police Officer 1.

After the dismissal, it was learned, that he figured in a few crimes such as qualified piracy on September 10, 2022 in Carles town, Province of Iloilo; robbery on December 20, 2022 in Sara, Iloilo; and another robbery case on September 26, 2023, also in the town of Sara.

“Malinaw sa ating witnesses at sa mga ebidensya, that is why nakitaan ng probable cause ng ating piskalya. If he is innocent, then mas mabuting harapin niya sa korte,” Major Rolando Araño, spokesperson of the Iloilo Police Provincial Office (IPPO), said.

Employees of a softdrinks company were robbed in Pilar, Capiz on January 5, 2025.

The robbers carted away over P3 million in cash.

The employees identified Ochenta through the police’s Rogue Gallery.

Despite the accusation, Ochenta’s father, Federico, believes firmly that his son is innocent.

He said that his son has always been accused of crimes since his dismissal from the service.

“Hindi na iyan bago sa amin kasi inaasahan na namin na marami pang kasong ibabato sa kanya. Sa simula pa lang, ginagawan na nila ng kaso ang anak ko,” Federico said.

He narrated that his son was assigned with the Intelligence Unit in the Municipality of Sara; and that he brushed against an influential person in the said town.

The influential person is connected allegedly with the suspect’s former chief of police which got the ire of the latter.

“Pinag-initan talaga siya, sir, dahil ang pinaka-last niyang na-buy bust, ang kanyang subject ay kaapelyido ng kanyang chief, ng chief of police nya,” Ochenta added.

He disclosed that the last time he communicated with his son was in 2022.

He also gave a hint about his family's safety after giving a statement to members of the media.

“Kung ano ang mangyari sa mga kaanak ko ngayon, wala nang ibang dapat sisihin dahil lang sa interview ko related sa kaso ng anak ko - PNP!” Federico said.

Meanwhile, the IPPO said that the accusations against Ochenta are legitimate and have gone through due process.

“Sa kanila na iyan kung magpa-interview sila, bakit nila ibinigay ang blame sa PNP. Ang PNP ina-assure natin ang public na we are here to protect people,” Major Araño said.

After the arrest of two suspects, the other four have been identified, including Ochenta.

Aside from John Francis Morenes and Gemmarie Daquilanea who were arrested earlier, the other three suspects were identified to be Marnie John Asajar, Arnel Arguelles, and Leonito Tajasco.

A case was already filed against Morenes and Daquilanea through inquest proceedings.

A case against the four who are still at large is up, as of posting time, through regular filing.