Ex-cop caught robbing 2 traders

MANILA, Philippines - A former Manila policeman was arrested for allegedly robbing two traders in Ermita, Manila yesterday afternoon.

Faustino Centeno, who had the rank of Police Officer 2, was in complete police uniform, with his badge and nameplate, at the time of his arrest. He admitted having been dropped from the police rolls earlier this year and was previously detailed at the District Mobile Force of the Manila Police District.

Centeno reportedly flagged down a maroon Adventure van (ZMB-483) of Rauf Lucman, 36, and his cousin Faisa Datu, 26, both of Marawi City, in front of Rizal Park for an alleged traffic violation. Centeno then instructed Lucman to follow him on a red motorcycle with no license plates to a shaded area along Roxas Boulevard. After getting Lucman’s driver’s license, Centeno then opened Datu’s bag and took P17,000. Lucman then tried to retrieve his cousin’s money, which caught the attention of a passing police mobile car crew.

Centeno then boarded his motorcycle and sped away, but Police Officers 3 Erwin Bucad and John Labrador gave chase until Centeno bumped into a “kalesa” or horse-drawn carriage at the corner of Burgos and Ma. Orosa streets.

Centeno was treated for a dislocated shoulder blade at the Ospital ng Maynila. Recovered from his right pocket was Datu’s P17,000.

Centeno, who is detained at the General Assignment Section, refused to comment on the allegation against him.