'Ayuda' holdupper arrested in Port Area, Manila

A man who allegedly held up a couple who just received their emergency cash aid from the government was arrested in Port Area, Manila.

Police identified the suspect as Crisanto Gonzales, 27, street sweeper, a resident of Barangay 649, Baseco Compound, Port Area, Manila.

According to a report, Richelle Claros, 21, and her partner Valeriano Biong, 21, received their emergency financial assistance from the national government in the area at around 3:30 a.m. on April 11.

Gonzales and a still-unidentified cohort robbed the couple at knifepoint. Closed-circuit television footage from the barangay showed the assailants fleeing on foot.

Gonzales was identified through his blonde-dyed hair. Biong identified him after the police showed him a photograph. He was arrested on Monday (April 12).

It was learned that Gonzales was also allegedly involved in a snatching incident at Barangay 649 in Port Area, Manila on April 9 but the victim decided not to pursue the case.

Gonzales is facing robbery charges with force, threat, and intimidation.

Police are still hunting down Gonzales' cohort.