Cousins nabbed for jeepney robbery

MANILA, Philippines — Two cousins were arrested for allegedly robbing the passengers of a public utility jeepney in Manila on Saturday.

Andy Bassig Ayuso, 35, and June Ayuso Braga, 20, reportedly robbed three passengers  – two men and a woman – at gunpoint while the jeepney was traversing McArthur Bridge before 3:30 a.m., according to a report from the Manila Police District (MPD)’s Ermita station.

The suspects had taken two cell phones, a wristwatch and a sling bag containing cash and other valuables before alighting from the jeepney along Padre Burgos Avenue.

The three victims sought help from police patrolling the Lawton area, the MPD said.

According to radio reports, one of the victims used a GPS locator and found his cellphone at an address along Zobel Roxas street in San Andres Bukid.

Police confirmed the location and arrested Ayuso and Braga at the home of Ayuso’s partner.

Two .38-caliber revolvers and two stolen cell phones were recovered from the two men, who were previously jailed for theft in Manila and Muntinlupa.