Authorities Arrest 4 Individuals Involved in Series of Snatching Incidents in Manila
The authorities arrested four individuals in a series of snatching incidents targeting motorists and passengers of vehicles in Manila.
One of the suspects admitted involvement and asked for forgiveness during questioning. Police also discovered that the suspect had a previous record involving illegal firearms, drugs, and robbery-related cases.
According to the Ermita Police, the suspect had only been released from jail earlier this year before allegedly returning to criminal activities.
The suspect is now being held at the custodial facility of the Ermita Police Station and is facing charges for robbery and snatching, along with violations of the law regulating firearms and ammunition.
“Kaya malaking tulong po talaga ang ating mga netizens na nag-report ng ganitong klaseng insidente. Bagama’t hindi sa amin nag-report ang biktima, nalaman namin ang insidente at naaksyonan namin ito. Hindi po namin tinantanan ang pag-follow up,” Ermita Police chief PLt.Col. June Abrazado said.
Authorities recovered a pen gun that was allegedly borrowed from friends and used during the incident.
Police officials said the help of concerned citizens and social media users became important in solving the case. Even though the victim did not immediately report the incident to the police, authorities were still able to track the suspects after videos and information circulated online.
Mayor Isko Moreno Domagoso assured the public that the city government and the Manila Police District will continue their operations against criminals. Authorities said they will not stop tracking suspects no matter how long it takes.
To strengthen public safety, the Manila Police intensified “Oplan Galugad” under the Safer Metro Manila program. During recent operations, dozens of individuals were also apprehended for violations such as smoking and drinking in public places and curfew violations involving minors.
“Ang isang magandang benepisyo ng Oplan Galugad ay nadadaanan natin ang lahat ng mga kalsada na alam nating may mga nag-aabang na gustong mang-biktima,” he added.
Police reminded the public to stay alert while traveling on the roads to avoid becoming victims of street crimes.
The social media users expressed their reactions to the incident:
