‘MJ bodyguards’ nabbed in Manila

Two men who claimed to be security aides of Manila Rep. Mark Jimenez were arrested yesterday by police shortly after robbing a businesswoman in Binondo, Manila.

Those arrested were identified as Laurence Hopper, 28, of 3371-E Batanes Street, Sta. Mesa, Manila; and Jesus Regis, 29, of the AFP Housing in Silang, Cavite.

Police said the suspects were arrested by a roving police team from the Binondo police station shortly after robbing 48-year-old businesswoman Anita Lim of her clutch bag containing an undetermined amount of cash.

According to police, Lim, of Silverhomes, Parañaque City, was walking along Reina Regente Street at about 7:20 a.m. when the suspects, aboard a Suzuki motorcycle blocked her path.

The suspects, at gunpoint, then divested Lim of her clutch bag. Fortunately, a roving police team spotted the suspects and gave chase.

The chase ended on Abad Santos Street with the arrest of the suspects. Recovered from the suspects was the victim’s clutch bag.

Police seized from the suspects a caliber .38 caliber revolver and a .45 caliber pistol. Also seized from them were tampered police identification cards.

When questioned, the suspects claimed to be security aides of Jimenez, but failed to show proper identification. – Mike Frialde