Makati robber nabbed

Desperate to keep pursuing bank security guards from apprehending him, a robber nearly took a messenger hostage in Makati City yesterday morning after allegedly robbing more than P100,000 from a woman.

But suspect Alberto Gardose, 33, of Paco, Manila also immediately released messenger Rommel Evangelista upon seeing that he had been cornered by security guards Bonifacio Acure Jr. and Julio Flores.

Police records showed that at around 10:30 a.m., Gardose allegedly held up at gunpoint Jessica Astillo, 24, an accounting assistant of Net Pacific Inc., as she stepped out of the International Exchange Bank located at Tordesillas street, Salcedo Village.

Gardose fled with Astillo’s bag containing P164,055, but the woman screamed for help, catching the attention of Acure and Flores.

Evangelista was walking nearby when Gardose grabbed him and pointed a caliber .22 at him to force the security guards to back off.

But the suspect’s ploy failed and he was collared at the corner of Cedeno and Leviste streets.

Recovered from the suspect were the cash and his firearm.

The suspect is now detained and appropriate charges will be filed against him by the police. — Nikko Dizon