Taxi robber falls after chase

The Quezon City Police District reported on Saturday the arrest of a 25-year-old man following a taxi hold-up in Cubao, Quezon City the previous day.

Police identified the suspect as alias “Etot,” 25, a resident of Barangay Botocan, Quezon City.

Police said the 44-year-old taxi driver was near Philcoa when the suspect flagged him down and asked to be taken to Cubao.

At about 3:45 a.m., the suspect got off the taxi along Illinois Street in Barangay Silangan, Cubao, and said he was waiting for someone.

When the driver followed him and asked for payment, the suspect pulled out a knife, pointed it at the driver’s neck and declared a hold-up before taking P1,300 in cash.

The driver was injured while trying to resist. The suspect fled on foot.

The driver pursued him while calling for help, prompting Tactical Motorcycle Riding Unit personnel of the Project 4 Police Station (PS 8) to respond and arrest the suspect, who yielded a red tactical knife.

Verification showed that the suspect had previously been arrested for alleged violations of Republic Act 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002; Presidential Decree 1602, or the Illegal Gambling Law; and Republic Act 10883, or the New Anti-Carnapping Act of 2016.

A robbery complaint was filed against the suspect before the Quezon City Prosecutor’s Office.

QCPD acting district director Brig. Gen. Christopher Olazo commended PS 8 personnel led by Lt. Col. Geoffrey Lyndon Lim for the prompt response.

“I commend the prompt response of the PS 8 personnel, led by Police Lieutenant Colonel Geoffrey Lyndon Lim, which resulted in the swift arrest of the suspect,” Olazo said.

“This incident highlights the importance of police visibility and immediate response in safeguarding the public,” he added.