Policewoman arrests men who robbed her

CEBU, Philippines -  Two alleged robbers landed in jail after they victimized the wrong woman, a policewoman.

Though three weeks pregnant, it was not a hindrance for PO1 Vel Anne Magpantay, 25, to chase the two men who earlier robbed her of P5,000 cash Monday afternoon at El Filibusterismo Street, Ermita, Cebu City.

Arrested were Randolf Quijano, 25, and a 16-year-old, both residents of Barangay Punta Princesa, Cebu City. A third robber, only identified as a certain “Michael” was able to escape.

Magpantay had just been assigned to the Carbon Police Station and was designated at the beat patrol area along Pelaez Street.

Chief Inspector Noel Lomente of the Carbon Police Station said Magpantay asked permission to leave her post for a while that day to apply for a loan at the Armed Forces and Police Savings and Loan Association, Inc.

Magpantay was heading back to the police station in civilian clothes when she was approached by three men who held an ice pick against her and declared a hold-up.

She reportedly handed them her wallet containing P5,000 cash and they ran away, but she chased after them herself.

Magpantay also asked help from barangay tanods deployed in the area and tanods Sultan Macud and Artemio Collarga, who were conducting roving patrol in the area, responded to the incident.

Quijano and the minor were eventually arrested; the third man, who has Magpantay’s wallet, remains at large.

Although she did not sustain any injuries, Magpantay was immediately brought to the hospital after the incident for medical examination since the victim is three weeks pregnant.

Lomente said that policewoman cannot report to duty yet since she was advised to have bed rest.

“Siya man mismo nigukod ug nakadakop sa mga suspek. Gikapoy gyud to sa pagdagan. Basin na-pressure to siya kay mabdos baya,” he said.

Lomente said the minor suspect admitted he was being “trained” by Quijano that time. Operatives of the Carbon Police Station said Quijano has previous records for robbery.

However, Quijano denied they robbed Magpantay but only picked her pocket.

The police were able to recover a nine-inch ice pick from Quijano. The two suspects were temporarily detained at the Carbon Police Station.

The police filed robbery charges against both suspects yesterday afternoon. —/GMR (FREEMAN)