Cops nab 2 bike-riding robbers

Police scored against crime yesterday after two suspected robbers on a motorcycle were arrested following a brief chase from V. Rama Ave. in barangay Calamba, to Salvador Ext. in barangay Labangon after they robbed a woman yesterday.

Lilliebele Padillo, 23, a native of General Santos City, said while she was standing at the corner of B. Rodriguez St. and V. Rama Ave. two men on a motorcycle stopped in front of her and one of the men grabbed her bag before they sped off.

What the suspects, Ariel Caballero, 30, of sitio Candaro, barangay Pulangbato, and Ramil Apa, a resident of barangay Sirao, did not know that they were seen by Punta Princesa policemen SPO3 Cerelino Belleta and PO1s Ansgar Reales and Reglyn Pepito who were patrolling in their police car.

The police immediately gave chase and called for backup, pursuit began in V. Rama Avenue and ended in Salvador Ext., barangay Labangon, after the motorcycle crashed.

Both suspects suffered injuries as a result of the crash.  Caballero surrendered but Apa still tried to escape, prompting Belleta to shoot him in both legs.

Police recovered the victim’s shoulder bag containing her wallet with ATM cards, credit cards, P470 cash and other important documents.

Theft and Robbery Section chief Sr. Insp. Michael Bastes said Apa, who was taken to the hospital for treatment, is a notorious robber operating in the city.  -Edwin Ian Melecio/BRP