Cops nab 2 rob suspects in Pandacan, Tondo

Police arrested yesterday two suspected robbers who allegedly target motorists and commuters passing through President Quirino Avenue in Pandacan and Road 10 in Tondo, Manila.

Michael Aguirre, 25, was caught hiding in a cabinet at his house on Hilum street in Pandacan, according to Pandacan police station chief Superintendent Abad Osit.

Aguirre was reportedly responsible for a series of robberies involving motorists passing through President Quirino Avenue. He allegedly would poke a toy gun at his victims and rob them while their vehicles are stuck in traffic, Osit told The STAR.

Aguirre’s arrest was covered by an arrest warrant issued by a Manila Regional Trial Court Judge Teresa Soriaso for robbery. Aguirre was also tried in absentia and convicted on another robbery charge by Manila RTC Judge Dominador Arquelada Sr.

Osit said Aguirre was identified by several people he allegedly held up along President Quirino Avenue.

In Tondo, patrolling policemen arrested a 17-year-old member of the Batang City Jail gang for allegedly robbing a female commuter along Road 10.

The teenager is believed to belong to another youth gang whose members prey on motorists and commuters along the crime-prone portion of Road 10 in Tondo, said Moriones police station chief Superintendent Jose Mario Espino. – Nestor Etolle