Suspect in P6-M QC heist nabbed

MANILA, Philippines -  Police arrested a suspected robber, tagged in a P6-million robbery over the weekend, Quezon City Police District (QCPD) director Senior Superintendent Richard Albano said yesterday.

Richard Basale, alias Tuklaw, was arrested at his house in Barangay Kalawaan, Pasig City Wednesday after the Macadaeg family identified him from a police file of suspected criminals.

Senior Superintendent Neri Ilagan, QCPD deputy director for operations, said Basale and two other suspects – later identified as Dante Basele and Maximo Ayao – barged into the Macadaegs’ townhouse along Scout Fuentebella street, Barangay Sacred Heart when its gate was left open on Sunday. The suspects reportedly herded the family into a bathroom while they ransacked the house.

The police file of suspected criminals in Pasig and Taguig was shown to the family after the fleeing suspects were monitored at the boundary of the two cities after the robbery, Albano said.

Inspector Alan dela Cruz said Basale has reportedly gained notoriety for similar robberies in Makati, Taguig and Pasig.