Unarmed female cop turns tables on rob suspect

MANILA, Philippines - An off-duty policewoman fought off a man who tried to rob her and four other passengers – all female – of a jeepney in Sampaloc, Manila yesterday morning.

Christopher Berame, 34, boarded the Quiapo-bound jeepney along R. Magsaysay street just before 7 a.m. and reportedly drew his knife just before the vehicle reached Nagtahan Bridge. However, Police Officer 2 Edlyn Arbo, 31, who was seated beside him, grabbed his hand and tried to disarm him.

Berame managed to stab Arbo in the legs and slash at her fingers before the policewoman snatched the knife. He then pulled out an ice pick, but Arbo stabbed him in the back while he was trying to jump off the jeepney.

Arbo, who is assigned at the Eastern Police District’s investigation unit, said Berame tried to run toward houses along Jocson street, but bystanders who saw her chasing the suspect caught him and beat him up.

Manila Police District deputy director Senior Superintendent Ronald Estilles said Arbo should be commended for her bravery.

Arbo said she was just relieved to come out of the incident with just stab wounds. She said if it had not been for the election-related gun ban, which prohibits off-duty police officers from carrying guns, it would have been a different story.