Police warns commuters against crimes in Paranaque and Taguig

By Abigail Kwok

INQUIRER.net

First Posted 10:19:00 09/24/2010

MANILA, Philippines – (UPDATE) Police on Friday warned the public against crimes committed in the areas of Taguig and Parañaque, especially those carried out on commuters.

The warning was issued following the arrest Thursday night of three suspects who were said to be victimizing jeepney passengers between the East Service Road in Parañaque City and SM Bicutan in Taguig City.

A memorandum by the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group in Camp Crame showed that crime incidents were particularly high in the area during rush hours.

The three were arrested 7:30 p.m. Thursday while police were patrolling the area, reports from the CIDG showed. Senior Inspector Melecio Mina spotted a suspicious person with a gun alighting from one of the jeepneys on the East Service Road.

But when Mina approached, the man tried to run, but was blocked by another policeman near the area. As police chased the lone suspect, two others attacked police.

Police, however, were able to arrest the three, who were later identified as Felix Berida, Marlon Montellano, and Rolly Magbutay.

They will be charged with illegal possession of firearms and bladed weapon.

Meanwhile, police have vowed an intensified campaign against street crimes, particularly those attacking commuters.

With a report from Karen Boncocan