5 UV Express van rob suspects arrested

MANILA, Philippines -  Five suspected robbers of UV Express vans were arrested by members of the Parañaque City police yesterday at a police checkpoint along Dr. A. Santos Avenue (formerly Sucat Road).

Southern Police District director Chief Superintendent Benito Estipona identified those arrested as Almario Rentillosa, Princess Losa, Red Marlon Guarino, Ritchie Cahinta, and Ludy Dagupioso.

Estipona said the suspects, who were in a white Mitsubishi Adventure (UIZ-786), were arrested at a police checkpoint in front of the JAKA Plaza at about 3 a.m. Police said the license plates of the suspects’ van were covered with mud.

Recovered from the suspects were two .38 caliber revolvers, a hand grenade, assorted mobile phones and assorted identification cards that police said belonged to the suspects’ victims.

Estipona said the suspects have victimized UV Express passengers in the cities of Makati, Taguig and Pasay.

According to Estipona, prior to their arrests, the suspects were already being monitored and followed by police officers.

Estipona said police officers signaled the suspects to stop at the Evacom area in Parañaque but instead sped away. They were only stopped by police at the checkpoint along Dr. A. Santos Avenue.

Under questioning, Estipona said the suspects admitted having robbed passengers of UV Express vans in Parañaque, Pasay, Taguig, Las Piñas, Quezon City, Pasig, Manila, Antipolo, Bulacan and Cavite.