By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

One of the suspects arrested following the death of notorious robbery group leader Johnnie Villarete denied being a member of the crime group, claiming he was only hired to do errands.
In a radio interview following his arrest, Niño Albonales claimed, on the night of Villarete’s death, he was working as tricycle operator in Barangay Bata, when he was contacted by the crime group leader to deliver gasoline as his vehicle had run out of fuel.
Albonales said, since Villarete had his mobile phone and owed him P250, he proceeded with order and visited Barangay Villamonte to make the delivery and collect his belongings.
However, upon arriving at CL Montelibano-Baloyo Streets, he was surprised to see Villarete and the other suspect, Rustan Pecuerdal, who was aboard a stolen motorcycle, were being chased by a gunman, believed to be Police Officer 2 Eric Aloquina.
Albonales claimed he fled out of fear.
The suspected noted, he was constantly hired by Villarete and his family to do favors and was aware of their criminal activity. However, he wasn’t aware Villarete was victimizing an off-duty police officer and his friend at the time.
Albonales was arrested as a result of the botched robbery attempt.
When Aloquina opened fire, the suspect claimed he was slightly wounded and sought treatment at home. He said he surrendered to Police Station 4 in an effort to clear his name.
Albonales added, there was one more suspect accompanying Villarete and Pecuerdal during the robbery, however, he does not know his name.
Earlier this week, Villarete was shot dead by Aloquina after trying to take the cop’s motorcycle.
Pecuerdal also attempted to escape with Aloquina’s motorcycle, but, amid the commotion, crashed into a parked vehicle not far from the initial encounter.
Pecuerdal was later arrested as he was receiving treatment at a hospital in Bacolod.
Police, meanwhile, are running checks on Villarete’s Mitsubishi Adventure, as it matched the same vehicle used in the murder of a Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency asset in Barangay 8 last month.
Cops also believe the vehicle may have been carnapped and are presently reviewing its plates with officials from the Land Transportation Office./DGB, WDJ