Anti-crime drive nets 13 in Manila

The Manila police has launched an intensified anti-criminality operation following the request of the Federation of Filipino-Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FFCCCI) to protect the business community, resulting in the apprehension of 13 robbery suspects.

Officials of the FFCCCI earlier paid a courtesy call to Manila Police District (MPD) director Chief Superintendent Pedro Bulaong to express their gratitude in the apprehension of three alleged members of online extortion syndicate victimizing mostly Filipino-Chinese businessmen. The group also sought enhanced police vigilance and protection against robbery groups.

Bulaong presented yesterday arrested suspects identified as Federico Arcuiza, Romel Sese, Alexander Reyes, Botchoy Balboa, Roven Casaljay, Dennis Enerillo, Antonio Lalu, Annie Gonzales, Gerald Gacula, Mila Enriquez, Luzviminda Durian, Rommel Daligdig and Martino Mercayo.

Improvised guns were seized from some of the suspects.

Bulaong said the police are now conducting character verification on the suspects to determine their involvement, if any, in other criminal cases.

Lalu was reportedly responsible for robbing a Filipino-Chinese softdrink dealer of P300,000, which was recovered by the arresting team under Superintendent Edgar Danao of the Moriones police station.

Gacula was arrested by the Meisic police operatives under Superintendent Hospicio Guevarra for robbing another Filipino-Chinese trader in Divisoria of P300,000.

Sta. Cruz police station chief Superintendent Romulo Sapitula said Daligdig and Mercayo are members of the Salisi Gang preying on foreign tourists.

The duo, who moonlight as rig drivers for tourists, allegedly robbed Irishman Damien McDaid of his wallet containing P2,000.

Sapitula said the Irishman with companion Andrew McCauley rode the calesa driven by Daligdig with Mercayo as his assistant for a tour of the city. After the tour, McDaid found out that his wallet was missing.

With the aid of two policemen, the tourist caught up with the duo along Carlos Palanca street in Quiapo.

When frisked, the suspects yielded the Irishman’s wallet and two fan knives.