Suspected robber nabbed at Navotas market

MANILA, Philippines - An 18-year-old boy was arrested at the parking lot of a Navotas public market Saturday morning after he and a companion were seen peering into several vehicles parked there.

Police Officer 2 Michael Mortel said Agora market security guard Marcial Demoral sought the assistance of SPO1 Dominador Mariano at around 10:45 a.m., claiming two men were wandering around the parking lot and looking inside the vehicles.

Mariano led a team to the market and arrested the suspect, identified only as Mark, after a brief chase but the suspect’s companion, a certain Jerome, eluded the police. Mark yielded an unlicensed .38 revolver with three bullets.

Police said Mark is reportedly a member of the Escarlan crime group, whose members operate in Navotas and nearby areas. The group is also eyed in a number of heists at the Agora public market and the nearby Navotas Fish Port Complex.