6 nabbed in Manila anti-crime drive

MANILA, Philippines - Six alleged robbers were arrested during an anti-crime drive conducted before the thanksgiving procession of the Black Nazarene in Quiapo, Manila yesterday.

A .38 caliber revolver, .45 caliber pistol, two pen guns, a sachet said to contain shabu and drug paraphernalia were confiscated from Erickson Vilar, 27; Dennis Gonzales, 22; Jerick Narciso, 21; Jonathan Abustan, 23; Paul Aries Noriega, 30; and Aries Villa, 20.

The suspects were caught allegedly using drugs behind the Quinta Market minutes before the procession was to start.

Police officers also recovered a stolen mobile phone from the suspects. The phone was later returned to its owner.

Manila Police District Station 3 head Chief Inspector John Guiagui said the arrest was part of a campaign to prevent devotees from being targeted by criminals.