Cops-on-patrol nabs 2 "snatchers" on motorcycle

Two men on a motorcycle were arrested at V. Rama Avenue, after they were chased by the police, for allegedly snatching a shoulder bag of one of two women walking along R. Landon Street Friday night.

The two suspects were Cesar Damaolao, 24, a bachelor residing at barangay Pulangbato, and Eddie Tabal, 25, a married resident of barangay Guba. They are both detained at the Cebu City Police Office pending their indictment.

The police, after frisking the suspects, found and seized a small pack of shabu from Damaolao.

The victim, Niecy Arais, of barangay Sambag II, said she and her board mate Rona Ubas were walking along R. Landon Street in barangay Sta. Cruz at the time.

Then the two men, riding a red motorcycle (plate no. OG-1064), came past them from behind and grabbed her shoulder bag. Arais said she tried to hold on to her bag at first but the two men eventually subdued her and took off with her bag.

Just as the suspects sped off in their motorcycle, Mobile Patrol Car 010 happened to pass by while patrolling the area and Arais quickly sought for assistance.

The fleeing motorcycle was still seen from the crime scene, so the policemen in the patrol car, PO1s Bernardo Balo Jr. and Mark Betonio, decided to give chase with Arais and Ubas accompanying them in the car.

The chase ended at V. Rama Avenue in barangay Calamba where the policemen cornered the two suspects.

The bag of Arais contained her cellular phone worth P8000, her class ring worth P3800, and her wallet with P106 and ATM cards. Except for the class ring, the items were in the bag that the police recovered from the suspects. - Flor Z. Perolina/RAE