3 rob suspects caught in victim’s house

MANILA, Philippines - An off-duty policeman’s instincts led to the arrest of three suspected robbers who had hogtied the family of a businesswoman in Valenzuela City yesterday afternoon.

Police Officer 3 Henry San Pablo was driving his motorcycle in Parada Subdivision at around 3 p.m. when a man called his attention, saying “something suspicious” was happening in his neighbor’s house.

San Pablo, who was off duty, told investigators he knocked on the house of Jacqueline Go, 49, to check but a carpenter working for the family came out, said nothing was amiss and asked him to come into the house.

San Pablo backed away and immediately called for backup, Valenzuela police chief Senior Superintendent Rhoderick Armamento said.

“When we stormed the house we saw Go hogtied. The valuables, including several gadgets, were already packed, and two .38 caliber pistols,” Armamento said.

Police officers arrested the carpenter, Aries Torrefiel, 37, a new employee of the Go family and the alleged leader of the suspects; taxi driver Reginaldo Peralta, 52; and Jesus de Guzman, 45.

Two companions of the suspects are now the subject of a manhunt. 

Armamento said the group had been operating in Quezon City and transferred to Valenzuela recently. 

He said the group’s modus operandi is for one of its members to work for a prospective victim and attack after familiarizing themselves with the victim’s routine.