Bystanders gang up on suspect, foil hold-up attempt

CEBU, Philippines -  A suspected hold-upper was arrested after he was mauled by bystanders when his victim shouted for help after being held-up Monday evening along A.S. Fortuna Street in Barangay Bakilid, Mandaue City.

Michael Acuna, 25, single and a resident of Barangay Pasil, Cebu City was being mauled and arrested by bystanders in the area and turned over to a security guard of the Norkis Company in Bakilid after his student-victim Precious Gandia, 16, of Barangay Talamban, Cebu City shouted for help.

Investigation revealed that Gandia boarded a public utility jeepney from the Gaisano Grandmall in Mandaue City at around 7:20 p.m. last Monday evening  but upon reaching A.S. Fortuna Street, the suspect who was seated beside her, took from her pocket her Samsung Galaxy Y. Gandia said she noticed the suspect's act.

The victim tried to grab her cellular phone back but she unfortunately fell on the road causing her head injury.

Bystanders in the area then collared and ganged the suspect up  before being brought to the police.

The victim got her phone back and was brought to a nearby hospital for medical treatment, while the suspect was then detained at the Subangdaku Police Station pending the filing of appropriate charges against him in court. /JMD (FREEMAN)