Two men arrested for robbing septuagenarian in Quezon City

MANILA, Philippines – Authorities have arrested two men, who allegedly robbed a 78-year-old widow along Commonwealth Avenue in Quezon City, police said Monday.

The Quezon City Police District (QCPD) identified the suspects as Pepe Buray, 47, of Barangay Payatas; and Junel Tagbos, 28, of Barangay Commonwealth.

QCPD Director Chief Supt. Joselito Esquivel Jr. said the suspects robbed Renee Ortiz in Brgy. Greater Fairview at 10:40 a.m. Sunday.

According to Esquivel, the victim was walking along Commonwealth Avenue when Tagbos suddenly appeared behind Ortiz and declared a hold-up.

Police said Tagbos took from Ortiz cash worth P3,000, a Senior Citizen ID, ATM card, a cellphone worth P11,000, and two wrist watches.

As soon as Tagbos walked away, Ortiz shouted for help. Authorities subsequently ran after Tagbos, who eventually boarded a taxi waiting nearby. The taxi was being driven by Buray.

Policemen caught up with the suspects at Doña Carmen Subdivision in Barangay Commonwealth as security guard Roger Pocong hailed the taxi.

The suspects yielded a caliber .38-revolver without serial number, two misfired ammunition, three live ammunitions, and driver’s license, according to police.

Authorities also impounded the taxi, as police believed the suspects may have been using the vehicle in their criminal activities. /kga