Suspect in Davao pawnshop robbery neutralized in Bukidnon

DAVAO CITY — One of the suspected financiers of the January 26 robbery at Hannah Pawnshop was killed in Valencia City, Bukidnon, on March 25.

Bukidnon Provincial Police Chief Colonel Jovit Culaway confirmed to Newsline Philippines that Franklin Buac Sebullen, alias “Takyo,” who had a string of warrants for his arrest, was fatally shot along the street in Green Meadows Subdivision in Valencia, Bukidnon, around 2:00 PM on March 25.

“When we verified, he had standing warrants for his arrest in cases of illegal drugs, murder, attempted murder, and illegal possession of firearms in Ozamiz City,” Culaway said. He added that the Regional Trial Court Branch 15 in Ozamiz City had issued an arrest warrant for Sebullen, signed by Executive Judge Edmundo Pintac, on December 20, 2017.

Culaway classified the death of Sebullen as murder. However, police authorities in Bukidnon suspect that members of his own group may have killed Sebullen, as witnesses reported seeing the victim aboard a black Innova with license plate NBT 3549 in the vicinity of Green Meadows Subdivision in Valencia City.

CCTV footage gathered by the police showed the suspects driving a purple Vios sedan. Authorities continue their investigation, with Culaway adding, “There may be other reasons we want to uncover, perhaps related to previous personal grudges and previous cases.”

Meanwhile, Acting Davao City Police Director Colonel confirmed that Sebullen was a member of the Tolentino group and among the financiers involved in the January 26 heist at Ilustre St., Davao City.

Police authorities, including Colonel Marantan, have vowed that heads will roll as the investigation into the robbery and Sebullen’s death continues.