The former policeman linked to the P3.6 million heist at the Central Negros Electric Cooperative was released on bail at about 11 a.m. yesterday.
Municipal Trial Court in Cities Judge Jose Paolo Ariola issued the release order for Joseph Lontayao, 41, of Brgy. Fatima, in General Santos City after he posted P10,000 in bail, Bacolod City Police Special Operations Task Group head, Supt. Santiago Rapiz, said yesterday.
Lontayao was charged for usurpation of authority after he introduced himself as a police inspector when he was arrested near the Palawan pawnshop in Brgy. Bata last week.
Rapiz said the city police remained on heightened alert for the possible retaliation of Lontayao, a bomb expert and member of the Moro Nationalist Liberation Front, for his arrest.
He said they are still determining the identity of Lontayao as they have not yet confirmed whether Lontayao and another suspect in the CENCEO case, Joseph Calaramo are the same person.
City Police Director Senior Supt. Ricardo de la Paz said their source confirmed that Lontayao was seen at the hide-out of the Dipolog-Ozamis-Parohinog Group after the gang staged the robbery at CENECO.
Rapiz said Lontayao was also able to post bail for arrest warrants issued against them for frustrated parricide, murder and homicide charges filed against him.*APN back
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