Cabbies warned vs taxi rob gang

MANILA, Philippines - A ranking Manila police official advised taxi drivers yesterday to be wary of robbers posing as passengers following the recent escape of the reported leader of a gang that specializes in robbing taxi drivers.

“As much as possible be alert, especially if your passengers are all males. Drivers must not be choosy, but trust your instincts and immediately call on policemen if you sense something suspicious with your passengers,” Ermita police station chief Superintendent Jose Hidalgo Jr. said.

Ermita police officers arrested Neftali Capuz Jr., 21; and Rowel Gabriel, 20, for reportedly robbing taxi driver Ernesto Buri Jr. Recovered from the suspects were a homemade .38 caliber revolver and an icepick.

The two men said Christopher Labrador, who escaped during the arrest, was their gang’s leader.