2 nabbed for robbing tourist in Ermita

MANILA, Philippines - Two persons were arrested for allegedly robbing an American tourist in Ermita, Manila before dawn yesterday.

Alleged “Bahala Na Gang” members Romalyn Fernandez, 29, and Albert Sotelo, 21, were caught in a police raid on two houses along Ma. Orosa street in Ermita after tourist Steven Muzik, 30, filed a complaint with the Manila Police District.

Muzik said he was walking along Adriatico street before dawn yesterday when Fernandez, who was carrying a baby, approached him and begged for alms. It was at that point that Sotelo and two others ganged up on him and took his bag, which contained his passport, money and iPhone, Muzik said.

Jay-jay Rabanzo was earlier arrested and identified by Muzik as one of those who robbed him, but Rabanzo was nowhere to be found after he was brought to the Ospital ng Maynila for medical examination, police said.