C-3 Road 'robber' falls

MANILA, Philippines - A man suspected of robbing passengers of jeepneys going through C-3 Road in Caloocan City was arrested at past midnight yesterday after his would-be victim put up a fight.

Jaime Mercado, 40, failed to take Julia Nucum’s bag after she resisted and shouted for help, according to Senior Police Officer 4 Allan Dematera, Police Community Precinct 7 commander. Nucum had just alighted from a passenger jeepney along C-3 Road at around 12:45 a.m. and was on her way home when Mercado, armed with a knife, suddenly grabbed her from behind.

As Mercado tried to take Nucum’s bag, she shouted for help while fighting him off. The commotion called the attention of barangay watchmen.

Mercado ran, but the watchmen arrested him after a brief chase. He denied trying to rob Nucum and showed the tanods he was unarmed. Mercado’s clothing, however, gave him away when he could not explain why he was wearing a ripped T-shirt. Nucum ripped the suspect’s shirt during their struggle.

Mercado was arrested and turned over to the police.