Arjay Baldomar, 26, a Sputnik Gang member, and Jovito Melado, 37, driver, both of Parroz Alley, Kaunlaran Village, Barangay Longos, Malabon City, were arrested after they allegedly held up a certain Jesusa Magtalas, a resident of Navotas.
Chief Inspector Sotero Ramos Jr., Northern Police District intelligence chief, said that the suspects’ modus operandi is to pose as tricycle drivers using a borrowed or stolen tricycle to scout for victims. Once they pick up unsuspecting passengers, they would bring them to a dark area and rob them of cash and valuables.
At 10:30 p.m. of Thursday, Magtalas flagged down a tricycle at the corner of Pampano and Pla-Pla streets in Kaunlaran Village on her way home.
She was surprised when the suspects brought her to a poorly lighted area at the end of Martiniko street in Navotas. The suspects then divested her of her wristwatch and P1,000 cash.
Magtalas sought the assistance of Ramos’ men who caught up with the suspects the following morning.
Ramos said the suspects have been the subject of similar complaints from fish traders in the past. – Pete Laude