Robbers on motorcycle strike in the city

CEBU, Philippines - A Norwegian has lost more than P100,000 worth of cash, jewelry and other items to two unidentified men along Tres de Abril Street, Barangay San Nicolas Proper, Cebu City last Thursday afternoon.

Astrio Villacencio Falcum of Stavanger, Rogaland, Norway claimed that two persons riding in tandem on a black motorcycle suddenly appeared from behind and grabbed her bag while she and her father were waiting for a taxicab in front of Miller Hospital.

The victim said her bag contained her wallet with P74,000 and 5,200 Norwegian Kroner (which is equivalent to P38,116), iPod, Canon camera and a diamond ring.

On the same day, a 21-year-old Filipino-American was also robbed inside a public utility jeep along M.J. Cuenco Avenue, Barangay T. Padilla, Cebu City.

Brandon Gibson Scott of Catarman, Liloan alleged that he was onboard a PUJ from a mall when an unidentified man who was also onboard took his Samsung Galaxy S4 worth P30,000.

The man immediately fled away while the victim reported the incident to the police.

Police Chief Inspector Noli Cernio of the Theft and Robbery Section of Cebu City Police Office said that foreigners are mostly victims of robberies because they are not pursuing charges since they are not going to stay longer in the country.

Cernio said that additional policemen were deployed in the streets and highways in the city to lessen such crimes, advising the public to be always vigilant.

The massive operation resulted to the arrest of a suspected robber who held up a college student inside a PUJ along General Maxilom Avenue in Barangay Kamputhaw, Cebu City Wednesday afternoon.

Cernio pointed out that people have to be vigilant and be fully aware of the danger along the streets and in dark areas when bringing some important valuables and money.

“Bisan adunay kapolisan sa kadalanan, sila pud kinahanglan magmatngon,” he said, adding that the citizens must also take part to prevent crimes.

Last Thursday, Cesar Regis, 79, was held up by an unidentified armed man at around 2:00 p.m. while sitting along a sidewalk along Gen. Echaves St., Barangay Zapatera, Cebu City.

He claimed that a man wearing a helmet alighted from his motorcycle and went near him.

The man suddenly pointed a gun at him and ordered to take off his watch and hand over his cellular phone and cash.

The armed man who rushed back to his motorcycle and fled from the area took away his wristwatch worth P12,000, cash amounting to P9,500 and his Samsung cellular phone.

On Wednesday evening in the same barangay, 27-year-old Mary Anndil Clavel was also held up by two unidentified men riding a motorcycle who took away her phone and cash.

Clavel claimed she was walking on her way home at around 8:30 p.m. when the two men stopped near her, pulled out a gun and declared a hold up.

The men, who were wearing helmets, immediately fled from the area.—Angelica S. Bertos, NSU ComArts Intern and May B. Miasco, CNU Communication intern/GMR (FREEMAN)