5 Manila rob gang members arrested

MANILA, Philippines – Five members of a robbery gang, which included two women, were arrested by the police after robbing two female commuters along a dimly lit portion of Ayala Boulevard in Ermita, Manila Friday night.

Ermita police station Chief Superintendent Jose Hidalgo Jr. identified the gang members as Jana de la Cruz, 21; Aiza de Guzman, 18; Obaid Emam, 19; Michael Caberan, 20; and a 17-year-old boy, who are all from the Islamic Center in Quiapo.

According to Hidalgo, the two women would hold up their target victim, while Emam is the driver of their get-away kuliglig, or a pedicab fitted with a motor engine. Caberan and the boy are lookouts and would even assist the two women if their victim put up a fight.

At around 11:35 p.m., a roving anti-crime unit of the Ermita police station noticed a commotion at the corner of Taft Avenue and Ayala Boulevard along a dimly lit area of the Philippine Normal University.

As the cops approached, they saw two women board a kuliglig which sped away. Two female victims reported to police that they were robbed at knifepoint by the two women who divested them of their wallets and belongings. Wasting no time, the police and barangay watchmen chased the fleeing vehicle which was finally cornered at a dead-end street. Three of the suspects were arrested, while their two companions managed to escape.

A follow-up operation led by SPO4 Carlos Chan led to the apprehension of the remaining suspects along Carlos Palanca Street in Quiapo.

Hidalgo said he is now verifying whether the arrested suspects are involved in other criminal activities.