Man linked to attacks on Indian traders nabbed

MANILA, Philippines - A man who allegedly belongs to a robbery group tagged in attacks on Indian traders was arrested in Valenzuela City Saturday night, police said yesterday.

Michael Sison, 34, was spotted by police officers while he was walking along F. Lazaro street in Canumay West at past 10 p.m., city police chief Senior Superintendent Rhoderick Armamento said.

When Sison noticed the lawmen, he ran toward narrow alleys along the street, prompting barangay watchmen and police officers to chase him, Armamento said. When they cornered Sison, they seized from him a “homemade” .38 caliber gun with two bullets.

Armamento said Sison is reportedly the right hand of Danny Castro, who allegedly heads the Danny Ilokano robbery group. He said the group’s members were reportedly responsible for robbing Indian traders, burglarizing houses and crimes done by motorcycle-riding men.

“He is Castro’s buddy. Sison is Castro’s only driver whenever their group would operate,” Armamento said.

Sison faces charges of violating the election gun ban. He has been previously charged in connection with robberies in Maysan and Paso de Blas, Bulacan.