Robbery suspect throws money at mob, still gets caught

MANILA, Philippines – To evade arrest, a suspected robber threw P15,000 at a mob chasing him but was cornered by barangay watchmen and bystanders in Caloocan City yesterday morning.

Senior Superintendent Jude Santos, Caloocan City police chief, identified the suspect as Sonny Hernani, 39, a resident of Gagalangin, Tondo.

Police confiscated from Hernani a sachet of shabu and knife he reportedly used to rob Indian moneylender Buta Singh, 29, a resident of Libis Espina in Caloocan.

Police Officer 1 Alejandro Villedo said Singh was collecting money from his clients along Guido II street in Sitio Daang Bakal, Maypajo when the suspect poked a knife at him at around 9 a.m.

The suspect divested Singh of P15,000 in the victim’s secret pocket but passersby saw the robbery and reported it to watchmen at the nearby barangay hall, Villedo said.

Barangay watchmen and several bystanders ran after Hernani but when they were about to corner him, the suspect threw money on the street to distract the chasers.

“Some went for the money but several others kept on chasing the suspect,” Villedo told The STAR.

The mob finally apprehended Hernani and beat him, but police officers arrived and saved the suspect from being lynched, Villedo said.

Santos said the suspect is also wanted for at least two robberies in Caloocan.

As The STAR was interviewing Singh, Luzviminda Sumono, 23, arrived at the police station to file a criminal complaint against Hernani.

She told The STAR she was walking home from the local market at around 7:45 p.m. last Friday when Hernani allegedly took her cellphone and money at knifepoint, then ordered her to strip. She said she refused, and Hernani shoved her to the ground and threatened to stab her.

Sumono said she pleaded for her life, and Hernani changed his mind. She said the suspect told her he was not afraid of anyone, not even the police.