Cop robbed by hitchhiker

MANILA, Philippines — A Maritime Group policeman was robbed by a man he thought was in need of assistance in Quezon City, police said yesterday.

Police Officer 2 Jerome Tusi, 26, was riding his motorcycle when the suspect, 26-year-old George Garcia Jr., asked him for a ride along Bayaya street in Barangay Muñoz at around 11:50 p.m. on Thursday.

The suspect asked Tusi if he could hitch a ride to Muñoz Market. Tusi, who was in civilian clothes, agreed.

After he sat behind Tusi, the suspect pulled out a kitchen knife and took the victim’s cell phone worth P6,500.

Tusi pushed Garcia when the robber tried stabbing him in the back with the knife. He then sought the assistance of two other policemen on routine patrol.

Garcia is facing charges of robbery, physical injuries and violation of City Ordinance 5121, which penalizes the possession of deadly weapons.