Man nabbed for robbing INC deacon

MANILA, Philippines - Police have arrested one of three men who robbed an Iglesia ni Cristo (INC) deacon inside a passenger jeepney in Binondo, Manila Sunday morning.

Suspect Mark de los Reyes, 22, was positively identified by Alexis Ada, 32, as one of three men who poked a knife at him and took his attaché case containing cash and personal items.

The robbery was personally reported by INC head deacon Felipe Dizon to the police, which prompted Meisic police station chief Superintendent Nelson Yabut to have Ada go through the police rogues’ gallery. Ada failed to identify any of the three men who robbed him.

The Meisic police, however, found a witness who identified De los Reyes as one of the robbers. He was arrested as he was waiting for another victim along Juan Luna street, and police found a fan knife in his possession.

 During interrogation, De los Reyes owned up to the crime and said they divided the cash among his accomplices. They threw away Ada’s clothes and shoes.

De los Reyes identified his companions as “Charlie” and “Michael,” who are now the subjects of a police manhunt.

De los Reyes was charged with robbery and illegal possession of a bladed weapon. – Nestor Etolle