Axed driver robs former employer’s buses

MANILA, Philippines - A former bus driver, fired for alleged drug addiction, has been “retaliating” against his former employer by robbing buses under the firm’s franchise, police said yesterday.

Investigators found out about the dismissed driver after Police Officer 3 Roberto Santillan arrested the driver’s alleged accomplice, Ranilo Mantilla, last Saturday.

Policemen invited bus drivers and conductors robbed while traversing Valenzuela roads to identify if Mantilla is one of their attackers.

Two Malanday Metro Link bus conductors, who requested anonymity, identified Mantilla as an accomplice of their former co-worker, Ricardo Barcelona.

One of the bus conductors said Barcelona was fired three years ago over “his addiction to illegal drugs.” Since then, he has been robbing buses supervised by Malanday Metro Link. He struck in Valenzuela at least thrice and one of the conductors said he was robbed twice.

“Tell the boss I’m only getting my bonus pay,” the conductor said, quoting Barcelona.

In another incident, Barcelona, while pointing his gun at the second bus conductor, allegedly said: “Pare, I just need the money.”

Barcelona remains at large as policemen await the release of his arrest warrant, said Chief Inspector Noel Ramirez, city police investigation chief.

Mantilla, on the other hand, was charged with theft and illegal possession of firearms.