By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

Three individuals who have been placed on a wanted list for robbery charges have recently given themselves up to police due to fear of being targeted next by alleged vigilantes.

Police identified two of the suspects as 28-year-old Eugene Sarmiento and 21-year-old Jomar Almonia, all residents of Barangay Mansilingan, Bacolod City.

The third suspect, meanwhile, had not been named by police as he was only 17 years old.

According to Police Station 7 commander Captain Elmer Bonilla, Sarmiento, who stands as the leader of the trio, voluntarily surrendered first on the morning of September 2 in their station.

Later in the evening, Almonia and the 17-year-old teen brother also voluntarily surrendered to police accompanied by their father and barangay officials.

When questioned by police as to why they surrendered, all three have expressed fear that they will be targeted next by alleged vigilantes.

Sarmiento claimed that he is afraid that he might be beheaded, referring to the incident that took place last week involving the brutal murder and beheading of alleged drug suspect Glenn Paul Castillo in the city’s Barangay 38.

Bonilla, meanwhile, said the three were responsible for a robbery incident that took place two months ago, wherein they broke into a house and stole several appliances.

He further added the three warrants were issued a week ago.

Both Sarmiento and Almonia are currently detained at the Police Station 7, while the 17-year-old teen was turned over to the city’s Social Development Center./DGB, WDJ