‘CIDG agents’ rob OFW in Quiapo area

An overseas Filipino worker (OFW) from Basilan lost P200,000 in cash to four robbers who introduced themselves as Camp Crame-based policemen in Quiapo Friday.

Police reports identified the victim as Gamar Tamay, 37, a native of Lantawan, Basilan and temporarily residing at 62 Tatalon, Quezon City.

According to police investigation, Tamay and his cousin Espaldon Agga were waiting for a taxicab at the Quiapo Muslim Center at about 4:04 p.m. when the robbers aboard a gray Honda Civic (TGX-457), appeared in front of them.

The robbers then forced Tamay and Agga into the car at gunpoint and sped towards P. Casal street. While aboard the car, police said the armed men introduced themselves as agents of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG).

Reports said the "policemen," who were armed with pistols, then accused Tamay and Agga of being supporters of the Abu Sayyaf Group.

As the victims denied the accusation, the robbers grabbed Tamay’s clutchbag which contained the money. The suspects then dropped the victims near the back of Ever Gotesco Mall in Caloocan.

Meanwhile, two alleged pickpockets preying on jeepney passengers in Manila were arrested yesterday by policemen shortly after filching the wallet of a Senate employee in Ermita, the police said.

Police reports identified the suspects as Alexander Estrada, 28, and Roberto Alcantara, 19, both single and residents of Barangay Dayag, Calauag, Laguna.

Police identified the victim as Jerold Jamin, 25, reportedly a custodian in the office of Sen. Ramon Magsaysay. – Mike Frialde