Manila cop nabs suspected robber

An off-duty Manila policeman arrested a suspected robber who allegedly snatched the gold bracelet of a commuter in Ermita, Manila Sunday night.

Police Officer 3 Ferdinand Omli was riding his motorcycle at past 7:30 p.m. when he witnessed a man on another motorcycle sideswipe a commuter and snatch the victim’s gold bracelet.

Omli chased the suspect and eventually cornered him along Taft Avenue near Padre Faura street in Ermita.

Raymond Antoni, 23, of Arkansas street in Ermita, yielded a gold bracelet that air-conditioner technician Jose Fernando, 51, identified as his.

Antoni was also found to be driving without license a black Honda XRM (OT-4922).

Omli also brought Fernando to the Ospital ng Maynila for treatment of injuries he sustained when he was sideswiped.

Antoni admitted accidentally sideswiping Fernando but denied snatching his bracelet. “In fact I was about to assist (Fernando) when the policeman came and arrested me,” Antoni told The STAR. He also admitted borrowing the motorcycle from a friend.

Case investigator Police Officer 3 Donald Panaligan said the victim sustained bruises on his left wrist when the bracelet was snatched from him.

A barangay chairman arrived at the General Assignment Section (GAS) office and vouched for the character of Antoni.

Senior Police Officer 4 Fernando Cantillas said he will verify if Antoni was behind the series of robberies by motorcycle-riding suspects in several areas in Manila.

GAS commander Chief Inspector Froilan Uy charged Antoni with robbery-snatching.  – Nestor Etolle