Suspect in Roxas Boulevard heist nabbed, charged

MANILA, Philippines - Police filed charges against one of two men who allegedly robbed and shot a Filipino-Chinese family along Roxas Boulevard in Manila last Nov. 1.

Senior Superintendent Alfredo Valdez, Parañaque police chief, said Joel Lazarito was arrested by a team led by Police Officer 2 Herbert Paus along Dr. A. Santos Avenue at about 10:40 p.m. Sunday.

Lazarito, together with companion Allan Umalsa, reportedly robbed Ruben and Joslyn Chua; their 13-year-old son, Denzel; and Joslyn’s mother, Clarita Go, who were on board a red Toyota Lite-Ace GXL van along Roxas Boulevard.

The victims were on their way home to New Manila in Quezon City after fetching Go and Denzel from the Ninoy Aquino International Airport when the motorcycle-riding suspects approached the van and ordered the passengers to open the doors.

Chua resisted, prompting the suspects to shoot at the victims, hitting Chua in the back, Joslyn and her mother in the foot.

Despite his injuries, he was still able to drive the vehicle to the nearest hospital.

The suspects, meanwhile, were able to escape with the victims’ money, bags, credit cards and mobile phones.

The case was turned over to the Parañaque police officers, who conducted follow-up operations that led to Lazarito’s arrest.        – Rhodina Villanueva