QC cops nab snatcher preying on celebrities

Intelligence operatives of the Quezon City Police District (QCPD) arrested over the weekend a snatcher who had been preying on celebrities in the vicinity of the ABS-CBN complex in Barangay South Triangle in Quezon City.

Chief Inspector Rodolfo Jaraza, head of the Police Intelligence Division, identified the suspect as Jonar Aristorenas, alias Gerald Bagatsing, 37 and a resident of Better Living Subdivision, Parañaque City.

Jaraza said the suspect was collared last Saturday evening after he snatched a woman’s bag in front of the Gerry’s Grill restaurant located at the corner Tomas Morato and Scout Bayoran street.

He said police intelligence operatives, who were conducting surveillance operations in the area, chased and cornered the suspect after he took the bag of Charmaine Junasa, a marketing coordinator.

Recovered from the suspect was a shoulder bag containing cash and a cellular phone.

Jaraza said victims of the suspect have started arriving at the police station to file a complaint against the suspect.

"The suspect often targets celebrities and employees coming out from the TV station," Jaraza said.

Among those who have filed complaints were Vicente Orosa, 57, a driver and security aide, and Darel Honasan, 25, a band member and resident of Marikina City.