Rob suspect preying on Indian traders arrested

MANILA, Philippines - A man suspected of robbing Indian traders of their motorcycles was arrested in an entrapment operation in Intramuros, Manila Thursday, police said yesterday.

Superintendent Ernesto Fojas Jr., chief of the intelligence division of the Manila Police District, said Reynaldo Almonte, 48, allegedly operates in Manila, Quezon City and Marikina.

Fojas said an informant told police that a man has been selling a red Honda motorcycle (8132-TK) at a very low price, raising suspicions that the vehicle was illegally acquired. Fojas tasked anti-car theft head Chief Inspector Randy Maluyo to work on the case.

Maluyo verified with the Land Transportation Office that the motorcycle for sale was registered to one Rajinder Pal Singh, who said his motorcycle was taken from him at gunpoint on Feb. 10 in Marikina.

Maluyo said that during tactical interrogation, police were able to verify that Almonte belongs to an eight-man gang of robbers and carjackers who prey on Indian traders in Metro Manila.