Fugitive ‘habal’ driver nabbed in hot pursuit

CEBU, Philippines - Police arrested yesterday a 40-year-old man who was accused of killing a fellow motorcycle-for-hire driver in Barangay Tabok, Mandaue City last week.

Lecerio Samson, resident of Tabok, was picked up by authorities in Barangay Pulpogan, Consolacion at 7:30 a.m. yesterday. He allegedly hacked to death his fellow “habal-habal” driver, Roy Iway, 33, also of Tabok.

Based on the accounts of the witnesses, Samson escaped after allegedly killing Iway. The two were reportedly engaged in a heated altercation over a “parking space” in Sitio Kamanggahan, Tabok last September 2.

Samson allegedly used a bolo in killing Iway near the Tabok Barangay Hall after the latter protested when Samson tried to queue his motorcycle ahead of those already waiting for passengers.

According to Senior Police Officer 2 Gregorio Cabizares, desk officer of Basak Police Station, Tabok barangay captain Dario Tariman informed them that Samson was in Pulpogan.

In an interview, Tariman quoted an informant saying that Samson was traced in Pulpogan.

Tariman also said that before going to Consolacion, Samson stayed in Barangay Tingub, Mandaue City a day after he allegedly killed Iway.

Because of the information, Tariman coordinated with the personnel of Basak Police Station and then went to the area where Samson was located.

Tariman said three operatives of Basak Police Station, together with four enforcers of Tabok Barangay Hall and 18 personnel of Consolacion Police Station, arrested Samson through a hot pursuit operation.

Tariman said Samson resisted during arrest and even tried to escape. However, enforcers were able to prevent Samson from his attempt.

Samson is currently detained at the Basak Police Station.

According to SPO2 Cabizares, the victim’s family is expected to file murder charges against Samson within the week.

Cabizares also said that prior to the incident, Samson had been involved in many disputes concerning the regulations of motorcycles-for-hire in the area. — (FREEMAN)