Rob suspect lingers at crime scene, gets caught

MANILA, Philippines - A suspected member of a robbery gang was arrested after he lingered at the crime scene in Barangay 184, Caloocan City Monday night, apparently looking for more loot, as his companions fled the area.

Superintendent Norberto Babagay, North Caloocan Police Station (NCPS) commander, said yesterday that Jonathan Geronimo alias “John Marcela,” 33, jobless, was holding a bolt cutter in his hand when he was caught.

Police said the device could have been used in breaking the padlocks and gain entry into an apartment rented by Chito Sebastian, who works as a security escort.

Sebastian said he was out of the house most of the day, and found the knob on the main door destroyed when he came home at around 10:30 p.m.

When he heard noises inside, Sebastian sought the help of barangay watchmen, who arrested Geronimo and later turned him over to the police.

A watch worth P20,000,earrings valued at P6,000, a ring that cost P100 and a silver necklace worth P700 that belong to Sebastian were seized from the suspect.

Sebastian, however, later learned that a Sony videocam (P50,000), a laptop (P36,000), a G-Shock watch worth P6,000, a $1,000 check and P5,000 were also missing.

Police believe Geronimo could be one of several robbers who broke into the house, and he was caught as he was looking for more loot.

Geronimo is detained at the police jail while charges are being readied against him.