Man arrested for trying to rob cabbie

CEBU, Philippines — A 32-year-old man was arrested after allegedly threatening a taxi driver with a knife in Barangay Ibo, Lapu-Lapu City, at around 4:20 A.M. last Friday, October 23.

The suspect, identified as Richard Escartan, a resident of Barangay Dumlog, Talisay City, is facing complaints for robbery and attempted homicide, which police are preparing to file.

The victim was identified as Benedicto Embalzado, legal age and a resident of Barangay San Roque, Cebu City.

Based on the police investigation, Escartan flagged down Embalzado’s taxi near a mall in Cebu City and asked to be taken to Barangay Umapad in Mandaue City.

However, upon reaching Umapad, Escartan allegedly changed his destination and asked the driver to proceed to Barangay Ibo in Lapu-Lapu City.

Around 4:20 A.M., when they reached an area near the Ibo barangay hall, Escartan allegedly grabbed the driver by the neck and threatened him with a knife in an attempt to rob him.

Embalzado managed to break free from the suspect and sought help from barangay tanods in the area.

The barangay tanods contacted the police, who responded to the scene and arrested Escartan.

Personnel of the Tactical Motorcycle Riding Unit of the Lapu-Lapu City Police Office, led by Police Major Romeo Caacoy Jr., also took part in the operation.

Escartan was turned over to the police for further investigation. Authorities are preparing to file robbery and attempted homicide complaints against him.