Man, 21, arrested for car thefts in Quezon City

MANILA, Philippines – A 21-year-old man tagged in at least 20 carjacking and robbery cases in Metro Manila was arrested in a lockdown operation by police following another robbery attempt in Quezon City yesterday.

Michael Urmeneta was nabbed after a brief chase with police officers along Katipunan Avenue in Barangay White Plains at around 6 a.m.

Police said Urmeneta sped off with the JERM Transport Service taxi (TYW-475) when its driver, Nathaniel Tag-an, stepped out of the vehicle to ring a doorbell upon the suspect’s request.

Tag-an sought help from policemen on patrol in Barangay Milagrosa.

Police officers and Tag-an boarded another taxi to chase the fleeing suspect.

Urmeneta was apprehended along Katipunan Avenue Extension and turned over to the Quezon City Police District anti-car theft (ANCAR) unit.

ANCAR head Chief Inspector Joey Arandia said the suspect was linked to at least 20 robbery and carjacking cases in Metro Manila in the past two months.

Urmeneta was identified by two of his victims.

Arandia said Urmeneta would pose as a passenger, instruct the cabbie to step out  to do something, then drive away with the taxi.

Police also recovered two taxis (UWA-606 and UWF-689) stolen by Urmeneta just a few hours apart in Green Meadows and Barangay West Triangle, Quezon City on May 13.

Arandia said charges of robbery and violation of Republic Act 6539 (anti-car theft law) would be filed against the suspect.