Mandaluyong cops foil robbery; rescue 14-year-old CICL

Police arrested a 23-year-old man and rescued a 14-year-old child in conflict with the law (CICL) following a reported robbery along Shaw Boulevard corner Kalentong, Barangay Daang Bakal, Mandaluyong City early Friday morning.

The incident occurred in front of China Bank's Kalentong Branch, where the 43-year-old complainant was walking when two individuals aboard a Honda Click motorcycle approached him.

Based on the initial investigation, the motorcycle's driver was wearing a cap while the passenger had a helmet on. As they passed the complainant, they allegedly uttered taunting remarks before stopping in front of him. The 14-year-old passenger then dismounted, approached the victim, and threatened him while keeping one hand concealed inside his clothing, seemingly implying that he was armed.

The CICL demanded the complainant's bag and threatened to stab him if he refused. The bag was subsequently taken by force, prompting the victim to run toward Haig Street to seek assistance.

Fortunately, personnel of the Mandaluyong City Police Station conducting police visibility operations near the 7-Eleven Kalentong Branch witnessed the complainant seeking help and immediately responded. A brief chase ensued, resulting in the apprehension of the two individuals and the recovery of several pieces of evidence connected to the incident.

The arrested adult suspect was identified as alias John, 23, a personal driver and resident of Manila. The other individual, a 14-year-old male, was handled in accordance with applicable laws and procedures governing children in conflict with the law.

Recovered items included the Honda Click motorcycle used during the incident, a screwdriver, mobile phones, clothing, identification cards, and other personal effects. All recovered items were documented and properly marked for evidentiary purposes.

Following the incident, both individuals were brought to Mandaluyong City Medical Center for medical examination before being escorted to the Criminal Investigation Unit of the Mandaluyong City Police Station for investigation and proper disposition.

The CICL will be referred to the Mandaluyong City Department of Social Welfare and Development for temporary custody, appropriate counseling, and discernment evaluation, in accordance with applicable laws and procedures on children in conflict with the law.

Meanwhile, the adult suspect remains under temporary detention at the Mandaluyong City Police Station custodial facility pending the preparation of the necessary documents for inquest proceedings before the Office of the City Prosecutor of Mandaluyong City.