Riding-in-tandem arrested after brief chase in Las Piñas; shabu, gun recovered
Two men are placed under arrest after allegedly attempting to evade a police checkpoint (Photo from Las Piñas CityPolice)
Two motorcycle riders were arrested after a brief chase when they attempted to evade a police checkpoint, leading to the seizure of suspected shabu and an unlicensed firearm on Wednesday, July 23.
Las Piñas Police chief Col. Fermin Armendarez identified the suspects only as "Xerxis," 38, a resident of Gumaca, Quezon, and "Joselito," 38, of Barangay Talon Dos, Las Piñas City. They were apprehended along Marcos Avenue in Barangay Talon Singko.
Armendarez said personnel of the Tactical Motorcycle Riding Unit (TMRU) were conducting a routine checkpoint under "Oplan Sita" when they noticed the suspects riding a Honda Click motorcycle with the back rider not wearing a safety helmet.
Instead of stopping, the suspects sped away after being flagged down, prompting a brief pursuit by the police.
Upon their arrest, police recovered an unlicensed 9mm pistol tucked in the driver's waist. The back rider, who also attempted to flee, was found carrying about five grams of suspected shabu with an estimated street value of P34,000.
The suspects were taken to the Las Piñas police custodial facility and are facing charges for violation of Republic Act 9165 (The Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002), and Republic Act 10591 (The Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act).