Police dog stops snatcher

A rookie police dog made her trainers proud when she stopped a snatcher who victimized a balikbayan yesterday near the Light Railway Transit (LRT) North Terminal in Monumento, Caloocan City.

"Maria," a one and a-half-year-old female Belgian Malinois, was ready to pounce on command on suspect Esther Cruz, who was later collared by police.

Police said the snatching victim was David Cubangbang, 52, a librarian set to return next week to Canada where he worked as an overseas Filipino worker. He was grateful he got back his Nokia 6100, which he had just bought for P20,000.

Initial investigation showed Cubangbang was waiting for a ride home around 11:30 a.m. near the LRT Station when Cruz suddenly grabbed his phone.

The ensuing commotion caught the attention of Jojo Rodis, who was then holding Maria on a leash and doing their rounds at the LRT station. Seeing Cruz on the run, Maria, with Rodis in tow, gave chase until the duo subdued the fleeing snatcher.

With the barking and growling of Maria, Cruz had no choice but to stop or face the fury of the police dog which was ready to attack on command.

The expensive phone was recovered and Cruz hauled off to jail at the police headquarters.