Woman, 2 others arrested for taxi heist

MANILA, Philippines - A 22-year-old woman and her two companions were arrested yesterday for allegedly robbing a taxi driver and taking his vehicle in San Juan City.

Cristina Wales; Eric Lacambra, 37; and Cardelle Ojeras, 39, were arrested after taxi driver Emilio Mercado reported the robbery.

Senior Superintendent Bernard Tambaoan, San Juan police chief, said Wales was used as bait by her alleged accomplices.

Mercado said it was Wales who flagged down his MV Acosta taxi in Sta. Cruz, Manila at about 3 a.m. yesterday.

When Wales seated herself in the vehicle, Lacambra and Orejas rushed in and the three of them asked to be taken to San Juan, Mercado said.

Upon reaching P. Guevarra street, the suspects pulled out fan knives and took Mercado’s earnings, his jacket and rubber shoes. They sped off after telling him to get out of the taxi.

Tambaoan said the suspects were arrested in Barangay Salapan in San Juan while the taxi was recovered in Barangay Kapitolyo, Pasig City.