Snatcher, woman in car caught after brief chase

CEBU, Philippines - After a brief chase, a notorious car-riding snatcher and a woman companion were arrested Sunday evening by the Investigative Detective Management Bureau at the foot of the Marcelo Fernan Bridge in barangay Pusok, Lapu-Lapu City.

Randy Labra, 32, of barangay Camputhaw, Cebu City and Linda Aznar Borromeo, 34, married, of Gorordo Avenue, Cebu City were arrested by a team led by Insp. Ramil Morpos after the owner of a “lechon manok” stand along A. C. Cortes Avenue in barangay Guizo sought police assistance after getting a fake P500 bill as payment.

Based on the investigation of the police, both Labra and Borromeo were on board a white BMW car with plate number YBJ 870 when they stopped by a “lechon” stand in barangay Guizo.

Labra bought one “lechon manok” and six pieces of “puso,” or boiled rice wrapped in palm leaves, and then Labra allegedly handed over a P500 bill as payment.

As soon as he got his grilled chicken and rice and change for his P500, Labra and Borromeo left the place.

Around this time, the owner soon realized he had been paid counterfeit money, and, without hesitation, ran after his customers.

Not long after, the owner saw a police patrol car. Inside were Morpos and his men and narrated what transpired at the food stand. The police wasted no time.

Morpos and his men caught up with the suspects but the car driven by Borromeo stopped only when the police blocked its path.

Seized from Borromeo was a white substance placed in two packets.

An alleged improvised “tooter” was found in her car.

Both suspects were arrested and taken to the IDMB for interrogation.

IDMB chief P C/Insp. Michael Anthony Bastes said while assigned in Cebu City in the past he had thrice arrested Labra.

Labra had previously been arrested several times in Cebu City for snatching while driving a car.

He had claimed to be the nephew of P/Supt. Pablo Labra, the Regional Investigation Division chief.

Labra and Borromeo are currently detained at the Subangdaku police station.

Only a swindling case has been filed against Labra.           The police are withholding the filing of a case against Borromeo until the PNP Crime Laboratory releases its finding on the white substance that was submitted for verification. – Flor Z. Perolina (FREEMAN)