Minor nabbed after robbing cabbie

CEBU, Philippines - A 17-year-old boy was arrested by the police a few minutes after he robbed a taxicab at D. Jakosalem Steet, Cebu City yesterday.

He was intercepted by elements of the Cebu City Motorcycle Riding Unit (MRU) and the Mobile Patrol Group after he robbed taxi driver Sergio Caritan, 43, of K-Factor taxi at around 9 a.m.

The boy said he is a native of Ubay, Bohol but stayed with a friend in Buaya, Lapu-Lapu City.

PO2 Alvin Suquib, one of the three arresting officers, said they managed to arrest the suspect after they spotted him onboard a taxicab fleeing the crime scene.

“The boy was onboard a taxi and was seated beside driver when we spotted him. His physical appearance fitted the description of the suspect,” Suquib said in Cebuano.

He said they flagged down the taxi and arrested the boy. An eight inch cleaver was seized from the suspect.

Caritan told The FREEMAN that the boy boarded his taxi in Lapu-Lapu City at around 8 a.m. and asked to be brought to Cebu City. However, when they reached D. Jakosalem Street, the boy asked him to stop the taxi and declared a holdup.

“I asked the boy for his P200 fare but he held a cleaver to my throat and demanded for my earnings,” Caritan said.

Caritan said the boy pressed the sharp tip of the cleaver to his neck. The driver pleaded for his life and gave his money to the boy.

When the boy got the money, Caritan fought back and managed to escape from the boy’s hold. He then shouted for help while the boy ran and boarded another taxi. Caritan sustained cuts on his chin and neck.

Caritan’s P990 was recovered by the police from the suspect.

The suspect admitted the crime to the authorities. He alleged that he needed the money to return to Bohol. “I was invited by a friend to come to Cebu for a fiesta a few weeks ago but I was stuck here since then,” he said.

The boy said he got bored and embarrassed which was why he stole the cleaver from his friend’s kitchen. “I had no other choice but to steal. I really want to go home to Bohol,” he said. 

The police are coordinating with the Department of Social Welfare and Development -7 for the filing of charges against the suspect who is still a minor.

 The boy is currently under the custody of the Cebu City Special Weapons and Tactics Unit (SWAT).  (FREEMAN)