3 scions held for snatching cases — just for fun?

Three car-riding scions of well-off families, including a student of La Salle, were arrested by the Manila police while they were about to snatch the valuables of their second victim in Malate, Manila early dawn yesterday.

Western Police District-Station 5 commander Superintendent Miguel Laurel identified the suspects as Jayson Pilapil, 22, of Block 12, Lot 2 Metrocor Homes, Talon, Las Piñas; Marcus Giovanni Salazar, 21, assistant manager of Universe Cafe, of Block 3, Lot 23, M. Alvarez, Moonwalk Village, Parañaque; and Andrei Gaerlan, 21, a student of De La Salle College, of Block 2, Lot 12, Metropolitan Classic TownHomes, Aguilar Avenue, Las Piñas.

According to Laurel, the suspects on board a silver green Mitsubishi Lancer with license plate PCS-767 first victimized Maritel Castro, 33, an employee, of 1161 Arellano st., Singalong, Manila.

Castro told police she was waiting for a ride at the corner of Pedro Gil and Guerero sts., Malate, at about 2:15 a.m. when the suspects’ car stopped in front of her.

She said she was shocked when one of the suspects alighted and grabbed her bag. The car then sped away.

Castro’s report sent police on patrol on the look out for the suspects’ car, which was later spotted along Pedro Gil street.

This time, one of the suspects got off the car and grabbed the bag of another victim identified as Arlene Vocal, 24, who put up a fight.

The police sounded their siren, scaring off the suspects.

A brief car chase followed until the suspects’ car figured in a collision with another car, leading to their arrest.

The suspects refused to talk until the arrival of their respective counsels.

Charges of robbery-snatching are now being prepared against them. – Nestor Etolle