Two men who robbed a restaurant in Barangay Valenzuela, Makati City, were arrested during a follow-up operation on June 22, the Southern Police District (SPD) said Tuesday, June 24.
The suspects were identified as alias Benedick, 31, and alias Christian, 25, both residents of Barangay Pembo, Taguig City.
According to Makati PNP OIC Col. Reycon Garduque, the victims - male and female freelance artists - were robbed at gunpoint by the suspects as they were eating inside a restaurant located along JP Rizal Street. The robbers forcibly took their Iphone 15 Pro cellphone, a Canon R7 camera with accessories, wallets, and other valuable items before fleeing onboard a black Honda motorcycle.
The victims immediately reported the incident to the police. The Investigation and Detective Management Section (IDMS), together with Sub-station 1 personnel, launched a follow-up operation to locate and apprehend the suspects using the victims' Find My Phone application.
The officers traced the location of the phone along C5 Service Road in Barangay Palar, Taguig City.
The suspects, upon seeing the approaching lawmen, drew their firearms and fled on foot, abandoning two motorcycles and a bag containing the stolen Canon R7 camera and other items.
They were subsequently cornered by security guards of McKinley Hill Village and turned over to the police.
The two yielded a .9mm pistol with live ammunition, a .38 caliber revolver with live ammunition, the victims' iPhone 15, wallets, a wristwatch, pieces of jewelry, and other items.
Further investigation revealed that the two suspects are repeat offenders and have been jailed before for other crimes.
“A background check through the Investigation Solution Automated Verification System (ISAVS) confirmed that suspect Benedick has multiple previous criminal records, including violations of RA 10883 (Carnapping) in Manila, RA 10591 (Illegal Possession of Firearms), PD 1602 (Illegal Gambling), and Theft in Makati City. Suspect Christian, meanwhile, has a prior case of Robbery in Makati City. These records clearly indicate their notorious involvement in criminal activities and their status as threats to public safety,” the Makati Police said.
Criminal charges for Robbery under Article 294 of the Revised Penal Code and Violation of RA 10591 (Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act) are currently being prepared against the suspects.