Raps filed against riding-in-tandem thieves

MANILA, Philippines - Charges of highway robbery have been filed against two riding in tandem robbers, one of whom was arrested by patrolling policemen after snatching two gold necklaces worth P80,000 from a male pedestrian in Malate, Manila.

Malate police station chief Superintendent Dominador Arevalo Jr. said operatives of the station’s anti-crime unit were on patrol when commuters called their attention on an ongoing robbery reportedly perpetrated by two men riding in tandem on a motorcycle. The robbers reportedly snatched two gold necklaces (P80,000) of Allan de Paula, 55, a seaman, while he was walking at the corner of San Andres and Leveriza streets in Malate.

When police arrived at the scene, a mob was beating up a suspect, identified as Gerardo Butial, alias Nognog, 30, a Sigue-Sigue Sputnik Gang, of Dasmariñas, Cavite. Police pacified the mob and arrested Butial, while another group of cops chased the driver of the getaway motorcycle who abandoned the vehicle, a black SYM scooter (CT-7061), along Adriatico street.

Butial identified his cohort as Ramon Villareal, alias Negro, reportedly a barangay kagawad in Pasay City, who could have taken the loot with him.

Arevalo said he ordered his men to be on the lookout on riding in tandem robbery suspects who have been victimizing unaware commuters, including the recent robbery with homicide of a former seaman. “The suspects would spot moneyed or bejeweled commuters and would make good their escape using their motorcycles,” Arevalo said.