Man takes son, playmate on robbing spree

MANILA, Philippines - A 34-year-old man, his 14-year-old son and his son’s 16-year-old friend were arrested in Quiapo, Manila last night after they allegedly robbed jeepney passengers along the Quezon bridge.

The trio are reportedly responsible for a series of heists on passenger jeepneys passing through the Quezon bridge, according to Sta. Cruz police station chief Superintendent Nelson Yabut.

Yabut said the man, a Bahala Na Gang member, and the two teenagers were arrested at a house on Basan street in Quiapo with the assistance of barangay officials. Recovered from the suspects’ possession were bladed weapons used in allegedly robbing their victims.

Following their arrest, the suspects led Yabut and his men to their fence, identified as Nasser Dedato, 29, a buy and sell trader from Mindanao. A Nokia cell phone, identified by one of the victims as hers, was recovered from Dedato.

Yabut said he will set up random police checkpoints at the foot of the Quezon bridge and requested a police mobile car to be strategically positioned at the bridge to deter criminals.

Yabut will also deploy at least two policemen to patrol the Quezon bridge.

He also called on other robbery victims, especially those robbed along Quezon bridge, to come to the police station and identify the suspects.

Charges of robbery, violation of the Omnibus Election Code and child abuse will be filed against the man while Dedato will be charged with violation of the anti-fencing law.

The two minors will be remanded to the local social welfare department for custody, according to Yabut.