Taxi rob suspect arrested

MANILA, Philippines - A 23-year-old man who has been robbing taxi drivers since he was in his teens was arrested in Pandacan, Manila yesterday.

Christopher Llarena, alias “Toper,” 23, a resident of Dr. Carreon street in Pandacan, was the subject of intensive police operations by previous Pandacan police commanders before he was finally captured through tips from concerned residents, according to Pandacan police station chief Superintendent Abad Osit.

Llarena would hide in Bicol province for two months after a successful heist, then resume his criminal activity, Osit added.

Police said Llarena would ride a taxi from Makati City in the wee hours of the night then rob the cabbie once they reach Pandacan. He would also get the key from the ignition to prevent his victim from following him.

Llarena is the subject of arrest warrants issued by Manila Regional Trial Court Judges Silvino Pamfilo Jr. and Socorro Inting, according to Osit.

In an interview, Llarena admitted taking part in the killing of a taxi driver in 2004 but claimed he was just a lookout. He identified the alleged killer as a certain “Edward.”

He also said he broke ties with a certain “One Side,” a notorious leader of a robbery gang in Pandacan, and committed robbery on his own.

One of Llarena’s victims, who happened to be his neighbor, picked him out from a police lineup.

Osit is calling on taxi drivers who were robbed in Pandacan to identify Llarena so more charges could be filed against him. “We will see to it that he rots in jail,” Osit said. – Nestor Etolle