2 robbers fall in Mandaluyong

MANILA, Philippines - Police arrested two of four robbers who held up a businessman of his watch and gold bracelet worth P300,000 while urinating inside the comfort room of a gasoline station in Mandaluyong City yesterday.

Potenciano Taguinod, 25, of Rotary Ville, Binangonan, and Raymond Mercado, 20, of Village East, Bronco, Cainta, both in Rizal, were nabbed after a brief chase.

Chief Inspector Teddy Tomas, chief of the Station Investigation and Detective Management Section, identified the victim as Antonio Ulanday, 46, of Policy street, GSIS Village, Project 8, Quezon City.

Investigation conducted by Police Officer 3 Ambrocio Gam said Ulanday used the comfort room of Shell gas station along Sierra Madre street in Barangay Highway Hills at 10:45 a.m.

At this juncture, the four suspects entered and announced a holdup.

At knifepoint, the suspects ordered Ulanday to yield his Omega men’s watch worth P140,000, gold bracelet amounting to P160,000 and wallet containing cash and assorted ATM cards and IDs.

When the suspects escaped, Ulanday shouted for help and members of the nearest police precinct gave chase and arrested Taguinod and Mercado.

Police recovered from the suspects the victim’s wristwatch, gold bracelet, two fan knives and bullets for a caliber .38 revolver.

Tomas said they are readying charges of robbery with intimidation and illegal possession of live ammunition against Taguinod and Mercado, who were detained at the Mandaluyong City police jail.