2 taxi robbers in Cebu City fall in Compostela checkpoint

Three passengers robbed a taxi driver near the Queen City Garden in Cebu City early morning yesterday but, using the victim and the cab in escaping, two of them were arrested at a police checkpoint along the highway in Compostela minutes later.

Only two of the suspects were however arrested and they were Vicente Soco Martel, 26, of Tuburan Sur in Danao City, and Wirdel Banson Tecson, 24, of Lapu-Lapu Street in Poblacion, Danao City.

The victim, 54-year-old Alfredo Medallo of Tingub in Mandaue City, was driving the Asia Ride taxi (plate number GWY 692) when the three men hailed him at Seno Highway in Mandaue City, then asked him to take them to Cebu City.

Medallo said that, upon reaching near the Queen City Garden area, one of the men drew a knife and pointed it at him while declaring a hold-up. The men got his P1600 earnings but Tecson took over the driver's seat and ordered Medallo to take the front passenger seat instead.

Tecson drove the taxi northward out of Cebu City, while the two other robbers, sitting at the back, pointed their knives at Medallo.

Upon reaching Compostela at 4:30 a.m. however they stopped at a police checkpoint, and Medallo took the opportunity to shout at the policemen that he was robbed with the robbers inside the taxi with him.

The policemen immediately responded and arrested Tecson and Martel. The third robber quickly ran toward a dark portion of the highway and escaped.

Medallo's money was not recovered anymore but believed taken by the one who managed to escape. -Gregg M. Rubio/RAE