2 Navotas fish port rob suspects arrested

MANILA, Philippines - Two alleged robbers preying on traders at the Navotas City fish port complex were arrested Wednesday by the maritime police.

Superintendent Nepumoceno Corpus Jr., National Capital Region-Maritime Police Office chief, said Leomel Merebel, 24, and Ric Matuguina, 20, were charged with robbery before the office of Navotas City assistant prosecutor Ojer Pacis, who recommended P200,000 bail for the suspects.

Merebel is facing an additional charge of resisting arrest when he tried to escape during a confrontation with the police officers. He was slapped an additional P6,000 bail.

Police Officer 3 Marciano Bogar, maritime police investigator, said Cesar Gutierrez, a small-time fish trader, sought their assistance at around 2 a.m., claiming he was robbed by two men.

Gutierrez told police he was waiting for his father-in-law at a store in the Navotas fish port complex when at least five men approached him.

One of the men asked Gutierrez for loose change, which he ignored. He instead moved near the guard outpost. The group left, but the victim said he did not know two men remained, watching him.

When he moved away from the outpost, two of the robbers grabbed him, beat him, and took his cell phone and P2,200.

The robbers fled on foot toward nearby Market 3. Gutierrez sought help from maritime police officers, who chanced upon the two men roaming Market 3.