LUCENA CITY, Quezon – A suspected member of a swindling group operating in the Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal, and Quezon region victimizing foreign nationals was arrested on Wednesday evening, September 18, in a fast-food chain in a mall in Barangay 3, this city.
The suspect was identified as Federico, 54, unemployed, of Barangay Bulihan, Silang, Cavite.
Investigation said that a customer noticed the suspect approaching a Korean customer with his bag beside him.
Another customer sought assistance from security guards and the suspect tried to escape but with the aid of Jail Officer 1 Diogenes Recaña who was present at that time, Federico was apprehended.
The suspect was taken to the police station and used a fictitious name and presented spurious IDs indicating two different names and pictures.
He was arrested and tried to bribe the police by offering P10,000 for his freedom but was turned down.
Recovered from him were four caliber .45 bullets and he was charged with Republic Act 10591 (illegal possession of ammunition), violation of Article 151 of the Revised Penal Code (disobedience to a person in authority), grave threats, and direct bribery.
Verification with the Philippine National Police Next Generation Investigation Solutions said that the suspect has theft, robbery, swindling, and RA 10591 cases.
He was part of group operating within the Calabarzon region and other parts of Luzon victimizing mostly foreign nationals.
Fisherman drowns
Meanwhile, a 59-year-old fisherman drowned and his body was discovered in a fish trap on Tuesday morning, September 17, in Purok Santol, Barangay Kiloloron, Real, Quezon.
Police identified the victim as Leo Dacallos Perante, alias Jun, with a live-in partner, and a resident of Purok Ilang-Ilang A, Barangay Poblacion I, Real.