Robber applies for police clearance, gets caught

MANILA, Philippines - A man alleged to be the leader of a robbery and car theft gang operating in eastern Metro Manila was arrested in Pasig City Tuesday when he applied for a police clearance certificate.

Edgar Tuazon, 42, “turned up” at the Pasig police’s clearance section, applying for a certificate, when the police officers noticed he was the subject of an arrest warrant, according to city police chief Senior Superintendent Jose Hidalgo Jr.

Senior Superintendent Elmer Jamias, director of the Eastern Police District, said Tuazon is reportedly the leader of a gang whose members rob the passengers of air-conditioned buses, FX taxis and jeepneys in eastern Metro Manila. 

San Juan City Regional Trial Court Branch 10 Judge Mariano Umali issued a warrant for Tuazon’s arrest on car theft and robbery charges on Sept. 30, 1996.

Hidalgo said Tuazon is presently detained at the Pasig City police station pending his transfer to the custody of Umali’s court.