Chinese trader robbed in Binondo

It was being at the wrong place at the wrong time. Two robbers found this the hard way yesterday after they were swiftly arrested by elements of the Western Police District shortly after divesting a Chinese businessman of his cash in Binondo, Manila.

Police identified those arrested as Michael dela Cruz, alias Daga, 23; and Florante Bacunawa, 38, a vendor, both of 1135 Claro M. Recto Avenue, Sta. Cruz, Manila.

According to Senior Police Officer 4 Edgardo Lopez of the Binondo police station, victim Jackie Sy, 24, of 1258 Bambang Street, Sta. Cruz, was walking along C.M. Recto at about 2 p.m. when the suspects approached him. Lopez said that Sy became aware of the suspects and walked briskly toward Reina Regente Street.

It was here that the suspects caught up with him and forced him to give up his wallet containing P5,500. Unfortunately for the two suspects, elements from the Special Weapons and Tactics team aboard a van arrived at the scene and saw the incident.

The suspects, seeing the policemen, then ran toward the Estero de Magdalena in a bid to elude arrest. But the policemen was able to give chase accompanied by elements of the Binondo police station.

The suspects are now detained at the Binondo police station where charges of robbery are now being readied against them. – Mike Frialde